Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Is anyone having an unplanned, tiny Covid Christmas?

22 replies

Idontlikeworms · 16/12/2021 07:32

Ds1 has it, ds 2 looking that way and I'm sure I will be next so no visiting family etc. I'm lucky I've bought and wrapped everything and have a tesco delivery later in the week but I'm after some ideas to make it special for all 3 of us. I know there are people worse off but I'm feeling a tiny bit sorry for myself .

OP posts:
Waxonwaxoff0 · 16/12/2021 07:34

Sorry to hear that. We don't have Covid but it's just me and 8yo DS for Christmas day this year. Last year I spent it alone as DS was with his dad. Bloody pandemic.

SpringheelJack · 16/12/2021 07:39

Not yet, but we've ten days to get through! Making it special depends on how much energy you've got I guess. I personally would be building a blanket fort and declaring all sugar and TV limitations suspended for Covid Christmas. Hot chocolate, marshmallows, and back to back Christmas films. But it depends on your kids ages and energy levels I guess!

Wtfdoipick · 16/12/2021 07:48

I'm planning for a small Christmas while keeping fingers crossed. Currently have covid in the household but it's another adult and they are isolating away from everyone else. Only 3 more days of testing for me to go but I'm getting more confident day by day that I'm ok and we can continue with our original plans. I hope you stay ok.

TheVampiresWife · 16/12/2021 08:06

Our Christmases are always tiny - we have no friends or family so it's always just me, DH and DD.

We try to make every day of Christmas special - good food is a massive part of it! We also make up stupid games to play (along with regular board games). Many years ago DD came up with something called Foot Pictionary, where we have to draw the title of a book, film etc with a pencil between out toes for others to guess. She's also made a sort of personalised version of cards against humanity which is so funny. We have film afternoons with hot chocolate and shortbread and make sure there's always carols playing in whichever room we're in (Classic FM or playlists are good for this).

DD is in her 20s now but when she was little, me and DH always had a glass of something after she went to bed and watched something festive - we love all Mark Gatiss's Christmas ghost stories, stuff like that. Nowadays she often joins us!

Basically we just try to make every day 'out of the ordinary' and not like every other day (especially now DH is wfh, so being at home for Christmas isn't quite the same as it used to be).

Hope you have a lovely Christmas, OP - it's definitely possible. DCs' excitement is more infectious than Covid so I'm sure you will! Flowers

hivemindneeded · 16/12/2021 08:15

So sorry. Set up some Zoom calls with relatives. Maybe not just chats but a fun Christmas quiz or charades - a silly game, so you feel more connected, maybe?

Do some film nights of classic christmassy films with popcorn.

Add a bit of a flourish to ordinary things. Like breakfast toast cut into Christmas tree shapes and hot choc with marshmallows on etc.

Wilkolampshade · 16/12/2021 08:36

I'm sorry you're feeling glum OP but maybe have a little look at the figures on the news? there were nearly 80, 000 positive cases reported yesterday and that doesn't include re-infections. If the predicted figures are right, and I have no reason to think not, then literally millions of people will be on very reduced Christmas festivities OP.
Our own experience is that there are nearly 20 cases on our small street alone, and that's just amongst the people happy/able to share in our mutual aid WA group. (North London)
We've cancelled family as are 50% positive in our house too.
So Xmas day might be small OP and I'm really, really sorry that's sad for you. I'm sure despite this you will do your absolute best for your kids and they'll barely notice. Lets hope we can all think of each other at this awful time and send virtual Christmas hugs around. Xxxxxx

Original poster
Idontlikeworms · 16/12/2021 08:42

Thank you all!! I'm going to try and write out some ideas and involve my ds's with the planning

OP posts:
Original poster
Idontlikeworms · 16/12/2021 08:58

Any ideas on board games for one adult and two boys age 10 and 9?

OP posts:
Artichokepiglet · 16/12/2021 09:09

This may also be us...I'm currently awaiting a test result for DS1. I've no idea how to entertain two small children for the next ten days in isolation and I'll also sadly have to miss my Nan's funeral if it's Covid... stressful times!

Thewiseoneincognito · 16/12/2021 09:15

Yes just me and DP instead of going to family for dinner, didn’t want to risk any of us testing positive and not being able to have dinner.

Caspianberg · 16/12/2021 09:18

Have you some simple family board games?
Nice easy food if anyone isn’t feeling great
Unlimited films

I would just hunker down with a book and warm drinks. Children will have new gifts to occupy them as well

LetItGoToRuin · 16/12/2021 09:27

My DD (just turned 11) is not keen on competitive board games, but we have had some success with collaborative games. We recommend:

Forbidden Island
Ravine

SkinPaperThin · 16/12/2021 09:44

Looks like it. Dd's isolation finishes on 23rd but it's looking like I might have it now 😭
We were meant to be having a big get together with my family. I will be getting another pcr later on to double check because despite the fact that I feel rubbish my lft is negative.

Crackingowlsanctuary · 16/12/2021 10:16

My dd’s first official free day after isolation is Christmas Day but we’ve decided to not get together with family as planned as it feels too close and risky (and not sure if anyone else in our house will catch it yet either)

Xion · 16/12/2021 21:54

@Idontlikeworms

Any ideas on board games for one adult and two boys age 10 and 9?
5 second rule is a great game
tillyandmilly · 16/12/2021 21:59

Yep cancelled trip up north - cottage in the country - gutted - 5 of us were going however think for the best in the current situation - and I am still not well after having covid 3 weeks ago!

Notonthestairs · 16/12/2021 22:43

My kids also like Ravine. We also play More or Less, Ticket to Ride and the Logo Game.

Original poster
Idontlikeworms · 21/12/2021 06:41

Update, myself and ds2 are still negative and ds1 is neg on the lateral flow test. We have been home since last Tuesday but can be released on Christmas eve! So happy

OP posts:
eclipsechips · 21/12/2021 06:58

Our last day of isolation is the 28th. Luckily I already had a shopping booked so I was able to amend that to include Christmas dinner and I've got an extra Gousto box booked. I don't know if we'll be up for eating much as we both feel awful

DrunkenKoala · 21/12/2021 08:21

Yes, DS has it. His last day of isolation is Boxing Day. So we’ve cancelled my dad and partner so they’re having a quiet one at home too.

Cal22 · 21/12/2021 09:40

@Crackingowlsanctuary

My dd’s first official free day after isolation is Christmas Day but we’ve decided to not get together with family as planned as it feels too close and risky (and not sure if anyone else in our house will catch it yet either)
Glad I'm not the only one being cautious and thinking it feels too risky coming out of isolation as soon as the 10days are up! I keep seeing people saying they think isolation period should be shortened, but I'd rather stay home an extra few days than risk any of my family catching this!
Cal22 · 21/12/2021 09:44

@Idontlikeworms

Any ideas on board games for one adult and two boys age 10 and 9?
My boys are 7 and 9, some of their favourite games include Ludo, snakes and ladders, cluedo, Top trump's, and simple paper games like Hang man and noughts and crosses! ☺️
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread