Is anyone else really looking forward to or focusing on Christmas?

[Pearsapiece]

It feels like the only constant at the moment and it's helping me through to think of all the things we will definitely be able to do, no matter what state of lockdown we are in.
We will still be able to snuggle down with Xmas films and eat twigletts. The kids will still have stockings, all be it they may contain a roll of loo roll and some pasta each! We may not be able to see extended family but will have our immediate families and the good old Xmas re runs of the two Ronnies. The Xmas markets are probably a no go but that will save me loads of money in things I don't need and instead can order online for the kids.
I don't know why, but everything between now and then seems like a maybe but Christmas seems like the only thing we will definitely have as something we recognise.
Is anyone else focusing on Xmas? What are you most looking forward to that you know you will be able to do?

Yes! I find the idea of Christmas so comforting - there's a book called Merry Midwinter which is about celebrating the whole season and old traditions etc. It is my go-to middle of the night read as it is such a comfort.

Channel 5 usually has loads of musicals on over the Christmas season which I LOVE!

I'm really looking forward to decorating the house this year and getting really festive. As you say, it's possible we might not be able to see family this year but hunkering down sounds like actual bliss!

Family from abroad will not be visiting so it will be different. I just hope that church on Christmas Day is possible.

Not really thinking about it much to be honest.

I think because I always grew up with small family Christmases at home it's something I can still enjoy even if we are back under lockdown.

@HoneyWheeler ah you're so right, decorating the house is another constant to look forward to. This is the first year I'm really greatful for our artificial tree as I can't see Christmas tree sales being a key service if we are under lockdown again!! Hopefully we won't be and Christmas celebrations will be allowed a cross households but given what happened over Eid, I feel I should plan for every eventuality! I will be heavily pregnant though so I hope the shops can keep up with my yule log requirements!

No, because we are in France and all our family are in the UK! We haven’t seen them since February, and are pinning our hopes on being able to visit at Christmas. We have booked very cheap flights, and will be on tenterhooks until December.

I’m hoping for the best, preparing for the worst :-/

Yes, the Christmas board is my happy place. Not "stuff" as such (apart from DC) but making photo calendars for GPs, thinking about Christmas menu's.

No not really. We always spend it with family and I just can't see it happening this year.

It is 8 different households getting together and I doubt that will be allowed. I know we could do it anyway but my parents and one of my siblings will not want to if it is not allowed.

I feel sad that it may not happen as it will be the first time in my life (66 years) I have not spent Christmas with my family

I'm looking forward to it. I'm really going we are holed up alone in our cosy home just doing our thing.

@CrimeCantCrackItself, great name, I loved early doors

sad it was brilliant went to see the stage show at the last run and it was excellent. To the regiment, I wish I was there

I'm starting to think about it, making sure we have what we want and need in, getting the pressies bought and wrapped to send back to family in NZ.

As you say, it's something to look forward to, that you can with some certainty plan and prepare for, even with covid!

Yes! It is our second christmas with our DD, so we had a chat the other day about how we want our family christmases to be. We both agreed to stop giving each other presents, we just dont need them. Instead we are going to do something in the 'spirit' of Christmas every weekend, such as baking cookies for a refuge, or visiting elderly relatives etc. We will be doing midnight mass (if they're back on) which for me, is the moment of Christmas.

I'm preparing for it because if I gave up on that, then 2020 would be entirely pointless. I've not travelled, they're floating the possibility of a second lockdown here, I'm singe and dating is pretty impossible. It's a shit year. If "Christmas is cancelled" I'll be even more over it than I already am.

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year . I love everything that goes with it. The decorating , the tree, baking cookies, present shopping , Santa shopping , the big Christmas dinner and eating endless chocolate for weeks .
It’s not going to be the same this year . I can imagine with local lockdowns and kids having to isolate at home with a cold , Santa shopping is going to be near impossible.
We might not get to spend the day with family which is my favorite part .
No school Christmas shows, pantomimes.
I think for this year we have to suck it up and enjoy a much simpler Christmas.
As long as we get some Santa gifts for the kids and we are all healthy , that’s good enough for this year .
Frankly I can’t wait to see the back of this bastard year

Yes me! I adore Christmas with my DS and it gives me something to look forward to. We visit a grotto which probably won't happen though.

I love to go shopping and see the Xmas lights and immerse myself in the busy-ness. I hope shops get the benefit of the Christmas trade. It would be devastating if they lost out.

Yep! Christmas is my favourite time of year.

I had the first proper presents (for dd2) delivered the other day & have started thinking about what to fill their advent calendars with (I'd usually include Christmas markets & spends, late night shopping, Wildlife Park for a wander with hot chocolate type things but not sure this year :( )

I've started my food shopping list, and thinking about making some decorations with dd2 (dd1 probably won't be keen).

I want to do something for Halloween too - dd2 loves decorating the house & trick-or-treating but I don't think that's a good idea either really so it needs to be something 'spooky' at home.

No. I’m dreading it.....no parties or nights out, not being able to see family properly and it’ll be cold and rainy.

I have started buying presents so I'm covered if there is another lockdown. I'm looking forward to it. But at the same time I'm struggling to look forward to anything in case its ruined.my expectations have been lowered across the board 😉

I'm sorry to those who arnt looking forward to it.
Don't get me wrong, ds will be 2.5 and our last Xmas as a 3 so I'm gutted at no Xmas Market, grotto etc. But concentrating on what we can do is helping.
There will be lots of homemade Xmas stuff in our house this year

No and the Christmas Board is -------> that way.

My DH is feeling more glum as he is used to big family Christmases. It depends what Christmas is usually like for you I guess.

My little boy was asking if Santa would still be able to come this year. He's worried he won't be able to come because of Covid-19. I said that whatever happens, Santa willmcome, he might just have to leave the pressies in the shed instead of coming in the house

And is Santa is too poorly then the elves will deliver instead!

I bet Santa will have to wear a mask, might be uncomfortable with the beard

Yes being on Christmas

Cosying up not wanting to go anywhere anyway so no matter if things are still a bit strange out and about

Stock up on twirlers and fizz and I’m happy, especially with a bit of Elf or The Holiday to watch too