10 days before Christmas - what can I do without risking Christmas itself?

[WombatChocolate]

Am aware we are now in the 10 day before Christmas period. If anyone in our household gets Covid now, it will mean none of us can go to see my parents or DHs parents and other family members on Christmas and Boxing Day. That would be gutting.

Various things have been planned for next week. Which of these would you cancel/still do, given the situation?

• Meal with friends in restaurant
• London theatre
• Country walk
• Shopping
• Meal with friends at their house
• Neighbours mince pies
• Children going on play date

Would you cancel all of these to ‘save’ Christmas? Finding it hard to decide what’s best.

And also, do you think some people are planning to just go to their family Christmas, even if someone in their household has Covid, because they don’t want to miss out? It’s not a worry I have about my family, but I wonder if lots are deciding now that they will just mix anyway.

Thanks.

Country walk might still be a go-er. Other than that,
personally I would cancel the rest. I know it's awful for the businesses that will lose out though. I feel gutted for them. This whole situation is thoroughly depressing.

Personally I am only doing things which are essential, and where I can wear a mask (FFP2 before someone tells me cloth masks are useless). So that’s a quick visit to the supermarket and small shops. Doing the bulk of shopping online. WFH and cancelled all my social plans. I don’t want to stay in and see no one, but I don’t want to risk not being able to see my elderly parents (only child; live in London where omicron is spreading like wildfire).

I don’t have children, however, so it makes it easier for me to do so. Fortunately my partner feels the same as me.

Meal out with friends- I would do lunch and find a comfy terrace/ open front Parian style cafe/ ski bar type well ventilated place.

Theatre - I would choose an open air option, there are still some of these as possibles. or wear a medical grade mask indoors (Myself I wouldn't do indoor theatre but that's me)

Country walk fine

Shopping - open air Christmas market? + online for some of the stuff if possible

Meal with friends - would do lunch & well ventilated locale ?/conservatory etc if possible,

Our neighbours are planning outdoor carol singing and mince pies

Play date - ? dry ski slope? ice skating? running round the countryside with hot chocolate and Christmas goodies?

Country walk should be fine. Decent mask for the shopping and try and find a quieter time.

Rest I’d probably leave if Xmas with your family is a priority for you.

If any of the stuff is in London I personally wouldn't . Everyone I know currently has Covid or has symptoms (bar 2).

@niceupthedanceagain

If any of the stuff is in London I personally wouldn't . Everyone I know currently has Covid or has symptoms (bar 2).

Yeah I agree with this unfortunately. Unless it’s going to be in the open air. I wore a mask at a covered (but not enclosed) market last weekend, as it was so busy.

Like another poster says, I feel dreadful for the businesses that’ll be affected, but it’s just not worth the risk for me.

I think I'd just do the country walk at this stage. I don't think anything else is worth the risk.

We are now seeing lockdown lite by default with Rishi hiding his money - the carnage in hospitality is unprecedented. That said I walked past my local Toby Carvery yesterday - car park full heavinbg and not a window open in the place.

Yes, it really depends on Covid rates in your local area. Like others I am in London and have sacked off most of these activities until after Christmas, but you may be in a much less risky area.