It’s a sad reality that we even have to consider how we will be spending Christmas this year, but due to the ongoing pandemic, things are going to be very different. With less than 100 days until Christmas, some families are already feeling the financial pressure, and at the rate Covid-19 cases are climbing right now, it’s only going to get worse.
So many questions are going to be left unanswered until days before December 25th, but here’s what we think a COVID Christmas will look like:
Shopping is going to be more stressful than it has been in previous years due to the restricted numbers allowed in each store. Online shopping is the way forward to avoid unnecessary stress, and it might be a good idea to start now. There is already limited stock across many stores due to the recent lockdown which may lead to panic buying in the coming weeks.
Oh no, they won’t. Oh yes, they will. Christmas pantomimes will most likely be cancelled in the coming months unless theatres have the capacity to reduce numbers by over half to allow for social distancing, which in some cases isn’t sustainable.
Little ones who do manage a visit with Santa will have to keep their distance, and he will most probably be wearing a mask. Let’s face it, most Santa’s are retired men, and while they absolutely adore their seasonal job, they are high risk. This year expect a lot more video calls with Santa instead of meet and greets.
Ice-skating during the winter months is the ultimate festive treat, and we are holding high hopes that it will go ahead seeing as they are an outdoor affair. We expect a huge reduction in numbers and mandatory face coverings, so maybe don’t hang up your skates just yet.
Household restrictions will most probably still be in place come Christmas limiting the number of guests allowed in your home at any one time. A huge knock for families who celebrate in style and invite the extended family over for Christmas dinner.
The 12 pubs tradition will be a thing of the past; in fact, wet pubs may not even be open if things keep going the way they are right now. If the Government does give the go-ahead, anyone fancying a tipple will have to stick to one pub and stay at the one table unless they need to use the toilet.
Churches are another place that will notice huge changes this COVID Christmas, and it’s usually their busiest time of the year. Local priests will most probably have to perform the special edition Christmas mass over the internet due to the limits on capacity which are already restricted.
Coming home for Christmas is going to be very different for those travelling from countries, not on the green list. The hassle of quarantining for two weeks might be a little too much for some, which will lead to fewer people returning home to see family and friends.
