Why is everyone so bothered about the rule of 6 and Christmas.....

Our family aren't planning anything until November. Why worry about it now when the rules keep changing.

I think you're barking up the wrong tree, JaneRn.

There's nothing wrong with expressing sadness at the prospect of not being able to see family at Christmas. It's human.

It's a long time since we bothered with Christmas parties but we're sure as hell not going to miss out on the pudding.

For God's sake, we are in the middle of a pandemic which shows no sigh of decreasing. Just be grateful that you and your family are still alive and that thanks to the wonders of technology you can still see and talk to each other. There is a deeper meaning to Christmas than parties and puddings.

There are 3 months until Christmas - considering how many times the 'rules' have been changed since March, it's reasonable to assume that the rules will be changed yet again, family Christmas will happen, not least because the economy needs everyone to spend, spend, spend!

merlotgran

Well, I'm not going to apologise for feeling a little bit sad about Christmas.

Me too. No outrage, no anger, just sadness. Not just for me, but for the families who usually have GPS with them, etc.

We have 6 children, 5 of whom have spouses and children. With my parents too, there are 22 of us. The only day of the year put aside to get together is Boxing Day so I am disappointed because it is the highlight of my year. However, it is probably a necessary evil so I am mainly philosophical but being a normal, imperfect human being, I don't mind having a little moan about it.

There seemed general agreement that the announcement that effectively cancelled Eid coming the night before was shocking. People talked about it in terms of cancelling Christmas on the evening of Christmas Eve.

But Eid was not cancelled, and Christmas will not be cancelled. Celebrations and gstherings for them were/may be cancelled. There is a difference!!

I think it's more disappointing to think that many people just don't seem to abide by the rules and carry on doing their own thing whatever the consequences. I will be abiding by the rule of six but anticipate many will be of the opinion that if the govt can break international law then the rule of six can be treated in similar vein.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

There must be many families who would love to have six people round their Christmas table. Some places will be empty because of a death caused by coronavirus. Let’s count our blessings, do as we are asked, and stamp out this awful virus. Then we can really celebrate Christmas 2021.

I feel grateful that at least we are allowed to be in a six. So much better than having no contact. ?

I couldn't give a flying fox about Xmas. It is a pigfest, which doesn't seem to involve the birth of Jesus anymore. Oh to spend it in a country where modest celebrations prevail and the meaning of Christmas is remembered.

Ha ha, you’re undoubtedly correct Summerlove, undoubtedly. But I thought it important to say, in the light of my being certain that not everyone will stick to the rules at Christmas, that we should ascribe rule breaking to everyone.

I feel frustrated when people complain of being 'punished', or 'forced' - that irritating word much favoured by the media - to behave in a way to stop the spread. To get upset or angry about a meal or a special day seems a bit trivial; we can all make a day special with the right attitude when we are able to. Attitude is the only string we have to play, ever, and not just in this current crisis. I do feel like asking one of my acquaintances if she would like to go ahead with a twenty plus Christmas party that she is complaining about, and then reflect in years to come how many relatives she has killed. A funeral took place when this whole thing was just starting - one family lost four members who were present.

annifrance

Succinctly put as ever, M0nica. (Good to see you back again). It really shouldn't bother anyone, whatever religion or not, that Christmas is reduced to limited numbers, just for once. It is what the situation requires.

But overstating as can be the case with generalisations.
Judging by the replies to this thread many people are keeping an open mind about family gatherings at Christmas and several at least have expressed similar views regarding Eid, Hanukkah, Diwali or even Thanksgiving.
So NOT everyone is getting steamed up about Christmas as a religious festival any more than for any other religion.
I dislike being lumped together and told that everybody thinks this or that.
I don’t.

I've only seen my GGC on Facetime this year, since December last year ! What a cruel world.

maddyone

Cherrytree, completely agree with you.
It was reported that the police raided restaurants that were full of people at Eid.

I’m sure there will be many “illegal” Christmas gatherings as well

Me too Nipsmum, except it'll be my 80th Christmas----no celebrations for me as I'd like to see 81 I'll be like Scrooge.

As long as we all stay safe IM Not bothered about Christmas. I usually host Boxing Day but really not bothered much rather it be we are all ok for the new year.

By the time Christmas comes, who knows where we'll be, Covid wise. I've lived for 79 Christmases and expect to see this one in a few months. Missing large celebrations is not going to be the end of the world. We will do what we've always done, " grin and bear it." It won't be the end of the world for my family.

I needed some more bubble solution for the children in the garden.
My husband couldn't find it in its usual place in The Range toy department, asked an assistant and was told, "Sorry, no bubbles, it's Christmas." ?

I think most people are aware and sympathetic to anyone who has had to cancel or will have to cancel gatherings, whether it be religious or purely social. Poor brides and grooms who have already had to change their wedding dates once and must be wondering if they will be able to go ahead with new dates. Many religious gatherings have been badly affected. But surely we are still allowed to feel sad that Christmas may be a non event as far as family get togethers are affected. For some families it's the one time a year that the whole family can get together. It doesn't mean we consider a Christmas event more important than any other.

Cherrytree, completely agree with you.
It was reported that the police raided restaurants that were full of people at Eid.

It’ll soon be time to put the sprouts on though.....

Christmas is three months away

Thank goodness! I was beginning to wonder as an email plopped into my inbox yesterday announcing 'Christmas is here!' from an online shop.

No it is not.