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Scotsnet

Welcome to Scotsnet - discuss all aspects of life in Scotland, including relocating, schools and local areas.

Original poster

What do you think the chances are of Christmas being cancelled?

116 replies

43leftfeet · 10/12/2021 00:19

We're meant to be travelling to visit the grandparents in Scotland - from England - for Christmas. DCs and GPs are so excited, they really missed each other while we were on lockdown.

But I'm getting nervous at the talk of "plan C".

What do you reckon, do I need to start making a Christmas back up plan in case it's all cancelled?

OP posts:
ssd · 10/12/2021 10:37

Id say its really up to you to assess your own risks now. If i was elderly i wouldn't be mixing just now until they know more about omicron. Then again if elderly want to spend Christmas day with family and everyone is happy, go ahead and enjoy.

The government of any area has lost credibility surely.

Its all about personal choices.

Mrsjayy · 10/12/2021 10:44

They are advising not to go to Christmas parties there is no talk of cancelling Christmas or travel bans between UK countries. FM is going to be doing a brief today . I expect lots of sighing and talk of being cautious. If you are on Facebook or wherever like Stv or BBC Scotland news they will keep you informed.

ElephantOfRisk · 10/12/2021 10:47

Its all about personal choices.

Exactly.

However I think people need to be provided with actual facts in order to make informed choices rather than just being scared into compliance by shit for nothing but political purposes.

If I was planning on visiting a vulnerable person and they asked me to, I'd take a test but otherwise I'd be going about my normal business. Other people are free to make their own decisions. I'm hacked off with the narrative with no facts and the restrictions and guilt trips that make no sense.

ecceromani · 10/12/2021 10:53

Wise words @ssd

Unfortunately there are families who didn't spend last Christmas with older relatives as they thought they were "keeping them safe" only for it to turn out to be their last Christmas.
And they now bitterly regret their choices.

Take precautions and do your own risk assessment OP.

OutOfBounds · 10/12/2021 10:57

Regardless of any rules, guidance or even advice I would suggest it's no bad thing to have a mini back up plan in case any one of you gets symptoms or pinged anyway.

Rules, I would probably follow - guidelines or advice can get tae!
Obviously mindful of individual risks etc...

Mrsjayy · 10/12/2021 11:00

Scotland had the levels last year so we couldn't move between areas I live in my parents area so went to them for Christmas but then we went into a "firebreak" or I might be remembering wrong there was so many regulations my brain. Turned to mush.

emmathedilemma · 10/12/2021 11:26

Unless they put border control at Carlisle my parents will be coming north for Christmas!

Delphinna · 10/12/2021 11:32

Christmas wasn’t even cancelled last year. Three households were allowed to meet.

NightmareSlashDelightful · 10/12/2021 11:32

I reckon Sturgeon will go one (small) step further than Johnson because no one ever loses ground politically by appearing more cautious than Johnson and that'll be it.

ecceromani · 10/12/2021 11:35

@Delphinna

Christmas wasn’t even cancelled last year. Three households were allowed to meet.
But didn't they ban travel into Scotland?
LizzieMacQueen · 10/12/2021 11:37

Last year was it 8 from 3 households but no overnights? Which does kind of scupper things if you have more than 2 children per family ( over 12s I'm talking about ).

Mrsjayy · 10/12/2021 11:44

Oh yes the 3 household thing . I'm sure you couldn't come to Scotland because of traveling through the levels or some such pish!

Hbh17 · 10/12/2021 12:11

Christmas can't be cancelled, as it happens every year on 25th December - regardless of whether we choose to mark it or not! For goodness sake, what happened to common sense? Just do whatever you want - nobody can stop you.

Sally872 · 10/12/2021 12:14

Nicola Sturgeon is doing an update at 12.15pm might help.

I think it will be ok though.

Original poster
43leftfeet · 10/12/2021 12:16

@Hbh17

Christmas can't be cancelled, as it happens every year on 25th December - regardless of whether we choose to mark it or not! For goodness sake, what happened to common sense? Just do whatever you want - nobody can stop you.
The elderly relatives we're visiting certainly can stop us!

They really want to see us, especially the DC, but will rescind the invitation if Nicola says not to do come.

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Original poster
43leftfeet · 10/12/2021 12:19

@Sally872

Nicola Sturgeon is doing an update at 12.15pm might help.

I think it will be ok though.

DP has the BBC set so it thinks we're in Scotland! I'll tune in now, thanks :)
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Original poster
43leftfeet · 10/12/2021 12:26

@Delphinna

Christmas wasn’t even cancelled last year. Three households were allowed to meet.
We were not allowed to come up from England and stay over. It takes us 10 hours to get to there, we can't come without staying!

It was the first time we've ever had Christmas at home, which was a nice novelty tbh but the GPs really want to see the DC this year, they've really missed them.

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Original poster
43leftfeet · 10/12/2021 12:28

I've got BBC Scotland on but running about 10 minutes behind. Keeping fingers crossed for good news!

Nicola just up now.

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Wizardora83 · 10/12/2021 12:34

I don’t think England will have any restrictions but I am worried that the Scottish border will be closed again!

Mrsjayy · 10/12/2021 12:36

What has she said I've just caught the end where she said to do LFT for everything

Original poster
43leftfeet · 10/12/2021 12:43

Goodness, this is a lot of build up! Getting nervous what this is leading up to!

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Original poster
43leftfeet · 10/12/2021 12:43

@Mrsjayy

What has she said I've just caught the end where she said to do LFT for everything
Not sure yet. I'm watching but about 10 minutes behind. She's just talking about taking early action.

She's saying we can't rule out further measures.

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tigger1001 · 10/12/2021 12:46

Basically don't have Christmas work parties.

Also isolation for households with a positive covid case.

And laying the groundwork I suspect for further restrictions in the coming days and weeks.

Original poster
43leftfeet · 10/12/2021 12:48

OK, so she's saying:

A plea to abide by current protections.

Stressing current protections - get vaccinated ASAP - this is most important.

Also, test regularly. Test before seeing people. Test even before going shopping.

LFT tests are just as good at identifying Omicron as Delta.

Comply with basic protections e.g. Use masks. Keep windows open. (even in Scotland in December!). Hand and surfaces hygiene. Work from home if you can.

So, nothing new at this point. Just Nicola reminding us down south what a leader actually should sound like!

(Don't care about politics in this moment, just nice to witness competence! We're sorely lacking that in England as I'm sure you can't help noticing!)

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Original poster
43leftfeet · 10/12/2021 12:49

And laying the groundwork I suspect for further restrictions in the coming days and weeks

Yes, it certainly feels like it doesn't it. Most of it was emphasising what a risk Omicron is. Milder, but much more transmissible so still a threat to the NHS's ability to cope.

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