Not a chance in hell of a proper Christmas?

[ShortFatandDumpy]

So I'm in lockdown after weeks of local restrictions here in Wales.

I keep hearing the "if we clamp down now we can have a proper xmas" line being spouted out.
That's bullshit isn't it.
Cases started to surge (in the areas that have seen a surge) at the start to mid September when schools and unis went back and after a good 6 to 8 weeks of more social interaction over August.

So I'm in Wales, on day 1of a so say short sharp 17 day lockdown. IF and I mean IF this Lock down ends in 17 days time that's about 7 weeks ish to Xmas, surely that will be prime peaking out of control time again for Covid hospital admissions??
Even if we go back to our local restrictions here, there's not been a great slow in numbers. I just cant see Xmas happenning either unless we stay locked down until mid December, and no way does anyone want that.
Someone local posted on our community page our area has had only 9 weeks free of restrictions since March!! No idea how true that is, I've lost track but it certainly feels like it.
Add on top of that, people like me live in a rural area and have been unable to travel to larger shops for weeks now. Normally by now I've done the kids Primark stocking filler haul, but I havnt been able to get into Cardiff for weeks now. If we keep on the restrictions, I won't be able to do Xmas shopping. I have Amazon Prime but bloody hell the price difference is quite vast compared to budget shops!
I'm so fed up and can't see anything like a normal Xmas. Ive also student kids in 2 tier 3 cities and parents in England. I'm licked in Wales and so fed up.
Anyone else thinking and feeling the same?

It won't be a normal Christmas in part because during the Christmas holiday week we will be starting Brexit. And then life becomes even more seriously crap than previously. So it's rather difficult to look forward to it this year.

The only good bit of Christmas for me is the choral music and the religious side of it. Oh, how I hate lockdown, rules, Tiers, etc, etc, etc.

Just skip it - not the end of the world! All in the same boat

Is it really that terrible that you can’t go to Primark? Seems like a serious first world problem

Oh please don't be so flippant and completely devoid of any feeling, Christmas is SO important for many people especially this year. Not sure what on earth Primark has got to do with it either

We're ok about it, but assuming worst case scenario - it's just the two of us. It'll be an added bonus if DD can come home from uni in Scotland (suspect she'll come back end Nov, isolate in two rooms if she's allowed), as she has work lined up. If DD has isolated and Mum can come as part of our bubble, then four. We're going to suggest walks with other families taking it in turns to make six. If they don't want a proper walk, then dropping prezzies off at doorstep as they're all fairly close.

@MrsFrisbyMouse

The thing is it's a virus and it doesn't know it's Christmas. If you allow households to mix, especially indoors at a time of year with little ventilation - you will get a rise in transmission of the virus. That is inevitable - and possibly for some families worth the risk.

I worry that the pressure of it being 'Christmas' might make clinically vulnerable people take risks they wouldn't at any other time. Both my parents in law and my sister in law are vulnerable - but if they allow household mixing at Christmas - my mother in law places such value on us 'being together' that she will convince herself it's worth it - despite the fact my father in law hermetically seals the house because he feels the cold, and despite the fact we have 2 children at school - and therefore multiple vectors of infection.

Obv, we can say that actually for us we believe the risk is too high for them, but they will counter thats for them to decide - but in reality we have the potential to take out all 3 of them. And it therefore has the potential to cause a huge family rift. (Because mother in law will claim we are just using Covid as an excuse not to come for Christmas)

So I would welcome some clear boundaries!!

Good post @MrsFrisbyMouse

It depends whether the Welsh people and any students there decide to follow the strict lock down or not.
If they don't then it will just drag on.....

I have sympathy for people who break the rules because otherwise they or someone they love would be allow

I have absolutely zero sympathy for people who could have a nuclear family Christmas with partner and kids but insist on seeing loads of extended family. That is pure selfishness, the opposite of what christmas should be about

It was my comment about saying by now is have usually got the Xmas stocking haul.done by a visit to Primark, but because I live in the arse end of nowhere in Wales I've not seen a city or any large shops for months.
Yes it's a first world problem and least of my Xmas concerns. My original post just ended up venting a messy variety my frustrations.

I agree that Xmas has the potential fill hospitals and morgues if they relent and give us a reprieve.

My youngest has suggested she self isolate for thex14 days before coming home (if I pick her up to avoid a 5 hour train journey). She also said she wouldn't meet her old school friends before Xmas once back home so we can see my parents/her grandparents safely. It could be viable if I'm still not working come Christmas, as long as Drakeford reopens the Welsh border!!
Most of us are up shit creek without a paddle in one way or another reading this thread.

I'm meant to be going for an evening meal with my parents on Christmas Day
But currently we are in tier 3, don't live together and I'm honestly not sure about going to a restaurant as I'm ECV

My parents are old and vulnerable. Our plan is to take kids out of school (primary age) for 2 weeks before Xmas and self isolate (adults all wfh and shopping is currently by delivery). That way we can get together without risking my parents health. It’s a bit drastic but family is hugely important to us all. We are normally very close (and all live on the same street). All 3 kids (my sisters 2 and my only) have SEN and are struggling with anxiety and disturbance. Currently school is for the best for the kids so they are going. If it’s school or the family while week traditional Xmas get together then family wins.

For some Xmas is a very important part of the year. Loneliness can be a real issue.

Wont be seeing my extended family.

On that basis alone, it’ll be the best Xmas in years

@sunflowers246

What does 'no Christmas' mean?

No turkey? No tree? No Father Christmas? No presents? No time off work? No immediate family?

To me the only difference is that we can't see our extended family. We'll have to zoom instead this year. But everything else will be pretty much the same .

Lovely for you. What about people who live alone? Without relaxing the rules in some parts of the country they will be alone. That’ll be great and festive all round, right?

I'm in West Yorkshire so going to be tier 3 I would expect soon. I'm preparing for a christmas at home this year. Never cooked Christmas dinner before, should be "fun"

@Peace43

My parents are old and vulnerable. Our plan is to take kids out of school (primary age) for 2 weeks before Xmas and self isolate (adults all wfh and shopping is currently by delivery). That way we can get together without risking my parents health. It’s a bit drastic but family is hugely important to us all. We are normally very close (and all live on the same street). All 3 kids (my sisters 2 and my only) have SEN and are struggling with anxiety and disturbance. Currently school is for the best for the kids so they are going. If it’s school or the family while week traditional Xmas get together then family wins.

For some Xmas is a very important part of the year. Loneliness can be a real issue.

We are doing the same self isolating and my parents coming

I am sorry to say it but I agree OP, I can see myself not being able to see anyone other than DP at xmas. I don't mind for myself but I am worried about my DM who lives alone. For us it isn't just the restricitons, it's the actual risk.

I think allowing people who live alone/aren't bubbled to see someone is reasonable. But the usual gatherings probably aren't worth the price we would all pay for them.

I am really depressing myself now and I wanted to try and cheer you up! I do think the plan your youngest has could work, I struggle to think they wouled close the border for xmas. So hope that works out for you x

Christmas would be easier if school/uni age children could isolate for a while beforehand, making it safer to see other family. Most probably just wouldn't though, judging by the fact that only 1 in 10 people manage to self isolate after being tracked and traced.

Sorry to say I’m a bit....so what? I ‘do’ Xmas but really not bothered by it so if it’s a different experience this year I think I’ll cope!

Appreciate it’s a big deal to some even though. Hopefully be back to normal next year.

@sunflowers246

What does 'no Christmas' mean?

No turkey? No tree? No Father Christmas? No presents? No time off work? No immediate family?

To me the only difference is that we can't see our extended family. We'll have to zoom instead this year. But everything else will be pretty much the same .

This.

I think the rules will probably allow for single people to be with others on the day. But I'm not sure much else will be permitted.

@ravensoaponarope they already allow for that in the form of bubbles don't they?

If the Government forbid Christmas trees, Father Christmas or having time off work, then I'd understand if people were upset.

But we're still alloy to do all these things. And we can still video call our extended family.

And yes, isolated and lonely people absolutely are allowed to meet family members if they take care beforehand and/or form a bubble.

I would do everything I can including isolating beforehand to see an elderly lone parent.

If you self isolate beforehand, you could visit your dad? No, he's holed up in a nursing home. I haven't seen him, apart from a single 5 minute window visit, since early March.

He won't be on his own though? He won't have the people who mean the most to him. Would you feel (in normal years) that, eg, a community "old folks' dinner" was an adequate substitute for your own dad to seeing you at Christmas? Sometimes having other people around just increases your loneliness.

@sunflowers246

Can we have a Christmas tree?

No you can't, for a MN Christmas this year you have to board up your front door and spend the Christmas period alone with only a turnip for company.

@MereDintofPandiculation Absolutely not, it's so rubbish. He should be with you.

No you can't, for a MN Christmas this year you have to board up your front door and spend the Christmas period alone with only a turnip for company.

🤣🤣. So true.