Have Yourself a Very Socially Distanced Christmas

by James P. Outreach & PR Executive

Usually, Christmas is a time of certainty. We know we will be spending a lot of time around those closest to us for the whole period of festivities, indulging in great food and drink. There is uncertainty around whether we’ll be popping to our local pub and attending work and family parties—however one thing for certain is that we can exchange gifts and Christmas hampers and expressing love to those we hold dearest.

 

With social distancing now the new normal, this will have significant impacts on the UK’s favourite and most important holiday. We are only two months away from one of the strangest ways to celebrate Christmas in our lifetime.

 

Here, we’ll discuss what a socially distanced Christmas will look like and what to do regarding food, seating, and the all-important gift-giving.

 

Stagger your shopping

There’re two ways you can look at this—if you loathe Christmas shopping and all the chaotic hustling and bustling, this could be great news for you. If you love shopping ‘til you’re dropping and wearing out your credit card, this could dampen the Christmas spirit of giving.

 

Christmas shopping, whether it’s online or bricks-and-mortar, is always hectic. However, due to a surge in demand as people order more gifts online due to social distancing restrictions, retailers are encouraging shoppers to start their shopping early and spread it out over a few months. This is so things aren’t left last minute and people aren’t let down and businesses aren’t strained. This is a handy tip for those of us who have lost our jobs over lockdown or are on furlough and are bringing in less money than usual. Spreading shopping out over a few months should help you keep costs down and plan financially.

 

Even at the start of lockdown, online shopping shot up five per cent higher than the year before—Christmas is anticipated to be even higher. Just make sure you don’t panic buy and stock up on essential items that other people need too.

 

Gatherings of six?

So, you’ve got all your presents sorted for Christmas earlier than usual (some of you), now to look forward to seeing your friends and family. If you plan to enjoy a Christmas meal at a restaurant or nip to your local pub for a few drinks, there’ll likely be a limit on the number of people allowed at the table at any given time.

 

Sadly, the same applies to household gatherings too. If you’re used to getting the whole family together for Christmas—great aunts and uncles, grandparents, great grandparents, cousins, sons and daughters, close family friends—this year will be a lot more different.

 

When you do get together in groups abiding by the government regulations, make sure you follow rules including no physical contact like hugs and kisses, wear face masks, remain one metre apart, and wash your hands regularly.

 

Get your passport

If you’re an avid traveller come Christmas, you’ll be pleased to hear that so far, there aren’t any bans on travelling abroad for the festivities. Countries are constantly assessed based on the rise in cases and R rates, so keep informed about where you’re planning on vacationing to. While official guidance advises against non-essential travel, you can leave the country as long as you’re aware of the risks.

 

Find out whether you will have to isolate for two weeks upon your return as this could have complications when you return for work.

 

 

Although it is a disappointing time, at least we get to spend time with some of those closest to us, and those living alone won’t celebrate alone. Pop the champagne, enjoy some fantastic food, and relax with those who matter!

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Created on Dec 14th 2020 10:46. Viewed 389 times.

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