Christmas visits after months of isolation

[doireallyneedaname]

Hi All.

Like many, I am nervous about Christmas.

In February I had a baby and since then we have been very cautious. No supermarket trips, no indoor meetings, no restaurants etc. My partner has been back at work but in an FFP2/face shield (he is in close contact with people for a long period of time)

With Christmas looming we have agreed we will spend it with the in-laws. The almost 100 year old granny will be there too, so all have said they are going to be extra careful in the weeks leading up to this visit as nobody wants to be the reason she kicks the bucket.

In-laws are in their 60s, one with high blood pressure. We are early 30’s with no health issues.

I feel mental for worrying about US when clearly WE are the real threat to them, but still I am concerned.

I suppose I feel this way because they have been continuing their daily life and whilst still being cautious, they’ve still being going to the shops and they haven’t really been social distancing. Whilst they understand what has been happening, they wanted and needed to crack on.

I think it’s important for baby to spend Christmas with them and start socialising, but with cases surging again now it’s making me feel awful about it.

To top it off, my dad is in another country (we normally spend Christmas together) and is on the verge of receiving a cancer diagnosis. I can’t even get to him because I’d need to isolate away from him for two weeks which means we’d miss Christmas anyway.

I feel completely overwhelmed by everything at the moment. Not looking for advice really, just having a rant.

Is anyone else breaking their own rules for Christmas?

I honestly can’t believe that there are people out there (none vulnerable) who haven’t really left the house since feb especially with a young baby. OP I am assuming you have no health issues? In which case I think you really need to seek some advice as it seems you are massively overstating the risk of covid to you at the detriment of your mental health and the wellbeing of your baby. We had a baby in July and have been going out and about and seeing people (within the guidance) as well as attending baby groups and classes this has been vital for my post natal mental health. Yes we will be seeing my parents and our in-laws for Christmas a decision we came to very quickly as a family. I’m curious to know why you are setting your own restrictive rules that go over and above what is recommended?

I have been leaving the house. I go for 2-3 hour long walks, to the beach, park etc with baby every day. I have seen a couple of friends outside a few times but I have not continued as normal regardless of the governments advise.

We’re in a pandemic, I don’t need our shoddy government to tell me how to keep safe - they’re not very good at it! Regardless of the fact that statistically COVID won’t kill us, it could still damage us.

OP I understand where you're coming from.

My baby was born in march. She's not really seen family as we live 200+ miles from closest relatives so we've only had one family visit. My parents are coming this weekend. We've all weighed up the risks and feel it's important for all of us (I also have a nearly 4yr old). We've planned to be outside almost all the time and we'll have windows open etc. I still feel a bit apprehensive but I think that's natural.

It sounds like you've been quite isolated and so I understand why you feel apprehensive, but it sounds like you're right, you and baby probably need some close interaction