My fitness tracker hasn't been able to sync to garmin connect since 12-24-2020 - are you having program issues again ??

It's working, so probably a local problem, you should rather check a sub-forum for the sync app.

Try remove and re-add your device from Express app.

There were no global server problems since a long time, but if in doubts, you can always check the current status at: https://connect.garmin.com/status/ 

Have a look at the Sync / Connection Troubleshooting Guide - it should help you finding out why your watch does not sync. 

its worked fine for years - only been about 3 times there were system issues and it would not connect for many people, im running the most current software, updated mid november and synced fine until 12-25-2020. ive seen other people also currently not able to sync by phone or desktop ap ... some of the info from my watch does transfer to the fitbit ap im also connected to for dietary stuff, so i know it is NOT the watch.

ive seen other people also currently not able to sync by phone or desktop ap

Among the millions of users, there always were, and there always will be people having problems to sync, because of countless of different possible reasons. Most of the reasons are listed in the Troubleshooting Guide linked above.

so i know it is NOT the watch

Yes, that very probably true. Much more often the phone is the cuprit. Have a look at the Troubleshooting Guide.