iCloud contacts not syncing and new contacts crash on new MacBook

This problem is now resolved but I wanted to post this in case it is frustrating someone else. This is my first MacBook after using Windows laptops for years while I was working. After setting up my brand new MacBook including logging into my Apple ID that I use on my iPhone and iPad, I found the contacts were empty on the MacBook but were available on both my iPhone, iPad and on iCloud.com. I decided to try entering some contacts on the MacBook but when I pressed the Add button, the Contacts app crashed. After trying my own troubleshooting and assistance with Apple support, it was determined that I needed to clear the hard drive (including my migrated photos from Windows) and reinstall macOS. This time setting it up, I decided not to use the Windows Migration Assistant until after I completed the entire setup including adding my Apple ID. Instead of leaving the default selections on the Windows Migration Assistant, I only left the Pictures and Documents selected and deselected everything else. One of the options I deselected was Contacts which may have been the culprit because all my selected iCloud items including Contacts are syncing and I have much better performance with speed and no more crashes. Hope this is helpful.