Opinions on the potential of Christmas being cancelled?

[Blak]

Hi everyone. With what’s being said in the news etc about the government being wrong about relaxing rules over Christmas I was just wondering how everyone is feeling about it if it does get cancelled. I’m getting very anxious as I was looking forward to spending Christmas with my family after the year we have had. Also my partners parents live in a different part of the country and we haven’t seen in months so will be upsetting not to see them after Christmas. My baby is 6 months old and I want to enjoy my first Christmas with her. They say that people can have a Christmas next year but both me and my partner will be working next year so we won’t be able too. All I want to know is how is everyone feeling about it and how what will people be doing for Christmas if things change.

It would be a relief to me to be honest, am really feeling pressured to see family but not comfortable doing so at all. I'm so anxious about passing on the virus to my elderly relatives.

The problem is even if people cancelled their own gathering as think its too risky, they will still have to mix (ay school/work/supermarket) with people who did mix and not follow any social distancing etc that they will have gone without seeing their families as still as likely to get covid from someone else that didnt go without!

I want them to cancel the relaxation. I'm gearing up for a big stand off with my in-laws who are inviting all and sundry round for Boxing Day and are expecting us to turn up too with their grandchildren. I've worked out that it amounts to around 13 households in their 'bubble' as everyone will have been somewhere else for Christmas Day, and several are coming from Tier 3 areas. I've said already that it's flagrantly against government guidance but, to quote them, 'bollocks to the guidance'. I would love it if the government cracked down and took the matter out of their hands.

@ArtichokeAardvark

I want them to cancel the relaxation. I'm gearing up for a big stand off with my in-laws who are inviting all and sundry round for Boxing Day and are expecting us to turn up too with their grandchildren. I've worked out that it amounts to around 13 households in their 'bubble' as everyone will have been somewhere else for Christmas Day, and several are coming from Tier 3 areas. I've said already that it's flagrantly against government guidance but, to quote them, 'bollocks to the guidance'. I would love it if the government cracked down and took the matter out of their hands.

Just say no. Even better, get your DH to say no as it’s his family.

Nope, it's too late to cancel now and even if then did try to, a lot of people will still do what they want anyway!

It's still a choice - you don't have to mix at Christmas if you don't want to or don't feel safe - but I wouldn't agree to banning mixing totally.

I don't think the whole distance travelling is a wise move though, someone from somewhere with a really high infection rate probably shouldn't be travelling that much and potentially bringing it to an area with low infection rates.

I also think that despite the fact you cannot mix over New Years - people will still do it anyway.

We are seeing my parents but they provide us with childcare during the week so are part of our "bubble" anyway. Won't be off to visit all the relatives or having a big Christmas this year

The rules make no difference to us. At the beginning of December we would usually have a large family gathering which we've not been able to do this year. We usually spend the actual Christmas period with our immediate family so no change for us.

I understand single people wanting to spend time with others but I don't see the need for extended family gatherings this year unless there are exceptional circumstances (i.e terminal illness).

I think the government should probably cancel the Christmas bubble thing. I say that as someone who is relaxed about catching covid - but to me it's more important that schools are open in January, and I feel that may be jeopardised by people's behaviour over Christmas.

@MistletoeandGin we are saying no. With a baby and toddler and both parents working, I'm not risking having to isolate for 10 days! Just dreading the inevitable fallout from refusing to go, we rely on my MIL for childcare two days a week and she's queen of the guilt trip!

From a personal perspective it will affect whether I can see my boyfriend or not so I really hope it isn't cancelled.

Maybe they could slightly reduce it for example only 2 households or groups no bigger than 6.

But some people haven't seen their family since March and remember that there is no magical guarantee that we will be able to do so in March 2021.

@ArtichokeAardvark - I would (based on your posts) assume that if the gvmt 'cancelled Christmas' that your in-laws would go ahead anyway. Hence no point cancelling.

I just don't get why people who aren't comfortable with doing it are doing it just because it's allowed. If you feel it's not right for you, don't do it.
We would usually see my BIL and SIL on the way to my parents. We could still do that this year within the rules as they're not seeing anyone else, so that would be the 3rd household in the bubble (my DPs aren't seeing anyone else either). But my BIL works in a factory (food production) and even though they're in a v low incidence area, and not mixing outside of work, we don't want to jeopardise my parents, so we're not seeing him.

I think the whole thing is a recipe for disaster and there will be a very big price to pay come the end of January/February.
I completely get that single people need to be able to bubble with their wider family and children return from Uni etc.

But all the others who are just mixing for the sake of Christmas festivities is just clearly bonkers. All the scientists are dead against it and know what it will lead to. We are all going to pay a further heavy price in the NY for all of this mixing. I feel sorry for all the businesses (mine included) on their knees with this.

I think the important thing is to come to a compromise and have scenarios that both are happy with.
I imagine an elderly person living on their own might be pretty crushed to be told 'see you in March.'
What about a Christmas walk outside ? (mobility issues permitting)
Or, you go round for a little while but wear a mask, 2m apart at all times, ventilated ?
Even just a chat at the door.
Don't see why we should need to leave elderly and vulnerable people on their own for months on end.

No chance. Boris wanted his Boris Saves Christmas headline which is what the 5 day free for all was about.

He will not stand for a Boris Cancels Christmas headline.

I think pretty much everyone will do whatever the hell they like anyway. We're the only one who seem to be following the rules that I know. most people have interpreted it as see whoever they want between 23rd and 28th anyway.

@SmileyClare

I honestly think it's the right thing to do

I've read this a lot on here with regards to "cancelling Christmas". Are people that think this cancelling their own gatherings regardless of what the government proposes?

I’m very tempted. We’re within the three households even with returning dcs but elderly relative is taking the piss- he’s due the vaccine later this week but has been out all over the place. We’ve given up so much but that consideration hasn’t been returned.

It’s always been a ridiculous plan which will lead to more death and longer harsher restrictions afterwards. The gov won’t change their minds.

It is worrying that today a mutation of the virus has been identified in the SE of England, which may explain the rise in cases in London and surrounding areas. Put simply the mutation is more "spiky" and sticky so although no more lethal, it's more contagious.

I would like to see more public health warnings in the media about the 5 day Christmas, warning people that although it's allowed, it's no more safe over those days. ..advice for taking some precautions; keep contact limited, ventilated indoor areas, stick to hand washing, keep a reasonable distance, don't cuddle and kiss the elderly..that sort of simple instruction.

Remember let's not treat elderly people as if they are children. Being 'fuming' at them for wanting to leave the house, let them make their own decisions regarding Christmas too.

@KittenCalledBob

I think the government should probably cancel the Christmas bubble thing. I say that as someone who is relaxed about catching covid - but to me it's more important that schools are open in January, and I feel that may be jeopardised by people's behaviour over Christmas.

Yes. It should only ever have been about continuing bubbles for single people. Stay in your household bubble. Okay some special people who don't think the rules apply to them would have broke them anyway but that's been the case anyway. Loads of households will he mixing out of obligation or just because they can and it'll directly cause thousands of deaths.

It's madness and we wouldn't learn the lesson from the American Thanksgiving disaster because Boris announced it early for some good headlines.

Just keep an eye on twitter on Sunday. The leaks will probably be then.

I am not sure if people won't follow new guidelines, but if they don't at least Boris can blame the spike mid January on people not following the rules, rather than his Boris saves Christmas plan. he is probably going to blame the public anyway

I would like to see more public health warnings in the media about the 5 day Christmas, warning people that although it's allowed, it's no more safe over those days. ..advice for taking some precautions

I think we are already starting to see this. Lots of comments like “use your judgment” and “just because you can meet doesn’t mean you must”.

Basically, it’s up to you, so we’re not the meanies who cancel Christmas but it’s also not our fault when there’s a spike.

I absolutely cannot stand when people use the term ‘cancel Christmas’
The 25th of December is coming regardless. I’m in Scotland and we have been told what we can/can’t do. Having said that, my partner and I will spend the day in our home, no visiting or visitors. The day will be what you make it, quit this ‘Christmas is cancelled’ bullshit!

I don't think they will cancel it.

The whole reason they have "allowed" it is because they know millions of people were going to ignore the guidelines and still meet up for Christmas anyway. Which will still happen regardless of what the government stands there and says.

There is no one out there policing these restrictions anyway.

Christmas isn’t cancelled. It needs to be different this year so we can protect each other but it is what we make it. We can still enjoy things just not as we normally would

The only reason they relaxed the restrictions in the first place was because they knew there would be mass disobedience and didn't want to lose what little authority they have left.

If they backtrack now, some people may change their plans to comply, but most won't.