Ideas for making a COVID winter bearable

[WearyandBleary]

I need some plans to make winter bearable with social distancing etc. I assume it will be much like now. I am dreading christmas without church and carol singing and family occasions.

I’ve been thinking about buying a whole load of festive lights and maybe some posh furry throws. It’s a bit desperate but I need ideas. Anyone got any plans or suggestions?

VirginiaWolverine which perfume/s would you recommend for that churchy incense smell?

Outdoor seating even in winter might be doable with heaters etc there's a thought..

I saw something on TV today about these now being banned in France. I hope they aren't banned here too. It was because of the dreadful damage they do to the environment apparently so...

I am also going for Hygge Christmas. I usually go somewhere for a winter city break but won't bother booking anything this year. Just cosy cuddles on the sofa with my cat watching films and staying safe. Candles and fairy lights, books and lots of early nights. I have loads of furry throws and cushions. And a very cuddly cat

I won't be putting elderly relatives at risk by visiting them. I will just be grateful if we all make it to Spring 2021 really.

I'm going to buy a SAD light. Other than that, just dreading the whole winter (apart from it being a good excuse not to have to entertain anyone at Christmas or go anywhere).

It's not Christmas as such that I'm worried about - October through to March is a long 5 months to get through without soft play/cinema and swimming and play groups and I can see weekly Covid swabs for at least one family member!

I usually find the run up to Christmas fairly stressful, to be honest and would not be too sad if it is a little smaller and simpler this year. The city Christmas market is cancelled and replaced with something smaller which might be nicer, as it gets extremely busy.
I might do some home made things and be a bit creative perhaps, not sure what though.

And it will be a "year off" for all those who have annual bust ups about ILS visiting for the duration etc

I know it's not Christmas time now, but I am currently in mid winter during the pandemic. I have to say that masks and buffs arent really all that much of an issue as its an extra layer. Some clever people have been making scarf masks. I may still order one.

I've just made sure we are stocked up on wood, yes to hot chocolate and popcorn and to find a good series to watch.

Yes, for those with in law 'issues' or high expectations placed on them in some way could be a way of escaping that I suppose! There are always silver linings...

Yes high expectations here and it's never enough!

Buy your outdoor heaters/gazebo type things NOW in case there’s a rush in the autumn.

I have my Hotel Chocolat velvetiser, can’t wait for hot chocolate season again! I’m hoping to be in my new flat with an open fire and a garden with a cosy greenhouse for sitting in by the autumn so that will help. We can go into peoples houses now though, and stay over- are people just thinking of those sheilding?

@Excited101

Buy your outdoor heaters/gazebo type things NOW in case there’s a rush in the autumn.

I have my Hotel Chocolat velvetiser, can’t wait for hot chocolate season again! I’m hoping to be in my new flat with an open fire and a garden with a cosy greenhouse for sitting in by the autumn so that will help. We can go into peoples houses now though, and stay over- are people just thinking of those sheilding?

And fill up any gas bottles. Been a terrible shortage here.

Gas, yes!

I'm not buying an outdoor heater because they are really terrible environmentally, I just couldn't do it, but I am stocking up on hot water bottles to shove inside coats

what's an alternative to outdoor heaters? Hotwater bottles, blankets and a fire pit?

I always come on these threads to provide an opposition to the hygge lovers 😂 I have SAD and nothing makes it worse than staying indoors, sitting on the sofa “snuggling”, screen time and a sugar rush!

So I’ll be, stocking up on supplements especially high dose vitamin D and making sure we all have waterproofs, boots and warm coats so we can go for walks.

We moved recently to a beautiful house so I can’t wait to decorate the outside and we’re getting all new decorations for the inside too.

Blackpool illuminations are on this year until January. We live nearby but we rarely go because, let’s face it, Blackpool is minging but it’ll be OK for a walk along the prom to see the lights. I always feel that they finish too early as you want it to be really dark and cold when you go.

I’m going to start my Christmas shopping at the end of August, but that is normal for me.

We’ll plan to invite family and close friends over for separate meals rather than one big get together. Let’s just hope we can do it indoors.

I’m slowly stocking up the cupboards with each shop as I don’t fancy queuing in December! We’ll also buy a chest freezer for the garage.

I can't even contemplate the thought of a Christmas lockdown ☹️☹️☹️☹️

@Mammyloveswine I'm not sure we'll be in lockdown, but distancing will probably still be in place.

@labyrinthloafer it's the thought of a full lockdown at Christmas that honestly makes me feel ill... mentally I struggled so much with this one!

I am so enjoying being able to enjoy some semblance of normality by meeting friends for a coffee or going to the park with the children!

So hopefully there'll be Christmas lights and trails, outdoor Father Christmas visits etc!

@Excited101 my thoughts on patio heaters to enable outdoor meet ups were that if there was a higher community transmission during the Autumn / Winter I would want to avoid meeting indoors if at all possible. Maybe not if there was snow or gale force winds but for a day time meeting if the sun was out we could still meet outside if we kept ourselves warm.

@vera99

Could we just not hibernate like bears and come out in the spring just in time for the vaccine?

This! Yes

No, I’m agreeing with you- hence my suggestion for people to splash out now rather than wait. But from the comments it seemed people were talking about not going in each other’s houses at all atm, maybe I got the wrong end of the stick!

Ooh i like hot waterbottles or those bean bag things - handnt thought of that

This is our life every year, as dd has ASD and so finds Christmas really difficult and she doesn't like fireworks either. We have a very simple Christmas now, just us, always at home. I long ago gave up on trying to do my idea of a lovely Christmas. I also love fireworks and bonfires, but you get used to it.

It will all be fine. And it isn't as depressing as you think. We stay at home and play games and let everyone eat what they want to, regardless of whether it is Christmas food, and we don't dress up. For most of you it'll just be one year.

I think the problem is that we have no idea if we will be able to visit family or enter other people's houses by Christmas.

Hope for the best and Prepare for the worst I guess.

I'm with you Bluebells getting ready for Winter/Christmas now, don't want anyone to be disappointed!

Everyone is so organised!! Some great ideas here.