Still mixing?

SiL always told u s we were her support bubble, so we invited her for Christmas with us (we are all Tier 4, and live within walking distance), until yesterday, when she informed us she was going to all family first, apparently she has multiple bubbles and in her mind that's ok because they're seen one at a time.

Explained to her that it doesn't work like that. Felt awful but had to withdraw invite as I am 'very vulnerable' (even more so as I currently have shingles). Will ma k e a doorstop food delivery tomorrow but that's all we are prepared to do!

Sadly, it's people like SinL placing us all at risk. I've given up with her, we just have to look after ourselves.

I shall be at home with my husband and iPad. Through the wonderful medium of FaceTime and Whatsapp I shall see my grandchildren open their gifts, we'll eat at the same time and prop the iPad on the table - breaking a very important 'family rule' to do so - and in that way we'll share the day.

I miss holding and hugging my family enormously, but we have all gone to great pains to stay safe since February, so it seems bonkers to risk jeopardising our health now when we are so close to a vaccine.

And from me!
Happy Christmas! ? ?

I shall be spending Christmas on my own. I'd been expecting it, so I'm resigned to it and have a few self-indulgent treats lined up.

My daughter and partner have organised a Zoom conference with my son and me. She's promised some "special guests". A couple of my cousins and friends in other countries have dropped hints, so I'm not sure who's going to turn up, but I've been told to wear a Christmas-themed top.

I might end up "seeing" more people than usual. I hope the internet doesn't crash with all the people in the world who will be contacting each other.

I've just realised it's Christmas morning, so I'll wish everybody peace, goodwill and stay safe!

Well said MawBe
If everyone had used common sense and thought of others , we would not be where we are now.

Well said! This is just another virus like all the others mankind has learned to live with over the millennia. It should not be treated any differently. Our fear is ruining this country

Not well said!
Not “live with” but “die of” for too many family members and friends of many people here .
Disregarding regulations, failing to take adequate precautions has meant that for far too many there will not be another Christmas. Not even this Christmas. This sort of gung- ho attitude sickens me.

Yes, my 3 year old twin Grandsons (who we help with Childcare) their Mummy and Daddy (our son) and our other son who lives alone and is in their bubble. My sons all work from home. My husband has recently been in hospital (not planned) and had 2 negative Covid tests, so we all decided to have Covid tests this week as our area was offering tests for people with no symptoms. Results came back very quickly and were all negative and by tomorrow the boys will have been away from nursery for 10 days. So we decided to have a morning together and lunch. Looking forward to it but will be missing our children and grandchildren that can’t be with us. I hope you have a lovely day, take good care of yourselves, Merry Christmas.

quizqueen

If anyone hasn't noticed, staying at home and wearing a mask when out and about hasn't changed things one iota!!!

Well said! This is just another virus like all the others mankind has learned to live with over the millennia. It should not be treated any differently. Our fear is ruining this country.

Juicylucy

I’m not judging, but the reason Christmas has been cancelled is because people didn’t adhere to the first lot of tiers, yet folk are still considering driving/ visiting family in other tiers. I think it’s selfish why can’t they just forego this one Christmas so we can all have a great one next year. It’s not rocket science, or is it.

As I have said on another thread. For more than half a million people in England and Wales there will never be another Christmas. This is nothing to do with covid, it is simply the reality that people die.

We decided months ago we wouldn't mix and are happy we did

I'm going to be home alone. I originally planned to go to DD's home in Scotland when we had 5 days but was dreading the journey and starting to wonder if it was wise. Saturday's announcement put a stop to that. Fortunately DD can still go to some friends for Christmas day but I'm now in tier 4 so it's Happy Zoom Christmas. DS and family live in Germany so wasn't seeing them anyway so we'll all zoom. Pity he sent a joint present to Glasgow...

varian

Unfortunately some of our fellow citizens are irresponsible idiots .Why else would this brexit nonsense have ever happened*

Could this just possibly be the last time Brexit is randomly introduced into an unrelated topic - please?

Was going to one adult daughter round the corner who we do childcare for but we are now in tier 4 so staying home. Will FaceTime overseas children and chat at end of driveways on a circular walk to the other three families.
Apparently childcare bubbles can’t socialise, just do the job! But support bubbles can even in tier 4
The daughter we childcare for has a new baby so is in a support bubble with her local sister.

We made our decision not to mix with, invite or visit any family or friends long before Xmas. Our day will be just the two of us and the only other person we may see is his friend/business partner (I've been shielded since early February and my better half and his business partner are the only people I've seen all year). Did have a few socially distanced chats in the garden with our lovely neighbour who also needs to be shielded. Regardless of tiers, laws, guidelines I am staggered at the amount of people prepared to put everyone they care about at more risk for the sake of a day or two and a meal together this year. It might be a bit of a bummer, a bit lonelier, not as much fun etc but personally I'd rather my nearest and dearest were still here for many years to come than risk killing them all at my dinner table. Whatever people are doing I hope Xmas is as good as it can be and that 2021 will be a better year or all of us

Our DD ,DSL AND 2 GC are coming for lunch and the afternoon.

They have essentially been isolating since the children finished school last Friday (yr 2 and reception)

Some windows will be open, hand washing will be happening--they are very thorough anyway, no cuddles but will have a pleasant afternoon

Unfortunately some of our fellow citizens are irresponsible idiots .Why else would this brexit nonsense have ever happened*

Our DD was going to come home for 3 nights before the changes last week.Now she isn't and we have just face timed her and she broke down in tears.Said it's finally got to her and the main reason is seeing DHs sister and family on Instagram blatantly ignoring the Tiers and guidelines.Plus her neighbours openly discusding plans which involve far too many households mixing.She is angry and frustrated tonight.As are we.So yes Growstuff I couldn't agree with you more.

Lucca

quizqueen

If anyone hasn't noticed, staying at home and wearing a mask when out and about hasn't changed things one iota!!!

And ?

There hasn't been a time when there was 100% compliance with everybody staying at home and wearing a mask. That's why the virus hasn't been eradicated.

Coronavirus needs a host and would die fairly rapidly if it didn't have one. Theoretically, it could be stopped in its tracks if everybody kept away from other people for about two weeks. It's because there will always be some people who won't comply that it's still here.

Of course it changes everything, and minimises risk if all of us who can, just stay at home, and if we absolutely have to go out wear a mask and keep 2 metres apart from everyone else.

Anyone who doesn't believe that is probably susceptible to all sorts of misinformation and conspiracy theories.

We had planned from very early on that we weren't going to take the risk of having our AC and GC over. We were, however, planning to meet up for a socially distanced walk over the Christmas time. Now we can't even do that. Oh well hopefully, if we play by the rules, there will be other Christmases to look forward to where we can mix with family and friends. Looking forward to a quiet and relaxing Christmas and seeing family over video call.

Those of you who are delivering presents etc but then retreating home on your own or with OH you do realise how lucky you are to live so near to your AC ? Even if and when this situation ends some people will struggle to see theirs whereas you’ll be able to see yours immediately! Just saying !

quizqueen

If anyone hasn't noticed, staying at home and wearing a mask when out and about hasn't changed things one iota!!!

And ?

We are going to our son and his partner and their 2year old for lunch, all above board. However, I feel sure they are entertaining her sister and boyfriend this evening, young people who take no responsibility for social distancing etc and so I am rather concerned, but I have decided to take the risk. I may regret it.

Well, Ellianne, yes, I am unfazed by your comment and I'm planning on spending the one day only with my friend, her daughter and son in law. We had already set this up, the couple work from home and we don’t mix at all, shopping entirely on line. I feel we are being responsible, we follow all the government protective directions to the letter, we are considering all the factors and weighing the risks and are also within the guidelines for tier 3.
Also, while I disagree strongly with the irresponsible attitudes that ignore risks and guidelines, I personally don’t criticise any one who is being sensible and balanced, whatever their decision, even if it isn’t the same decision as mine.

We are alone this Christmas, just the two of us. Only consolation is that I don't have to cook a turkey.

It's shaping up to be the usual fiasco, anyway. The guinea pig, who belonged to our DGDs but stayed here when they moved out, had to be put to sleep this afternoon. Poor old boy.

Then the quiche - the quiche I have made every Christmas for ever - was a disaster. Baked the pastry blind as always, put in the filling and the custard poured out everywhere through the loose-bottomed tin. How did it get through the pastry? Had to quickly wrap tin in foil and shove it in the oven, hoping for the best.

Usually I or my DD end up in tears on Christmas Eve, because we've got so much to do. Looks like I can manage it with only me and him this year!

Oh, well, merry Christmas to all of you anyway.