Are you re-thinking Christmas?

We made our original plans in October when things locally were quite good and we could mix inside in groups of up to 6. However we pulled back when the rates started to climb. Nothing that has happened since then has make us rethink, even with the relaxations of the rules. The rates have climbed substantially in some areas even in the last few days. In fact mixing looks reckless, but some will go ahead come what may. Third wave is on the way.

We aren't meeting up with family, partly for safety and partly because of the distance and the time allowed make it impractical.

I think the sensible thing to do is to assess the risks specific to your situation in relation to the current rules. If you feel that any risk is low enough, then meeting up isn't unreasonable.

I’d already decided not to see most of my family over the Christmas period but it looks like London will be in tier 3 by this evening so I’m glad I’d already made that decision. I’m sure lots of families will have to rethink.

Just myself and my OH! The feat of the family all have young children and like to stay home Christmas Day to enjoy their own space, it's always been that way to be honest.

However, I'm appalled by reading something in a fb page where a young couple with small children have invited ANYONE living in their locality who's alone on Christmas Day to join them! Well meaning but incredibly stupid!

I had no intention of mixing with anyone when the pandemic started. I know it's a selfish outlook but I'd prefer to remain well. I haven't seen my GGC for nearly a year and though time isn't on my side, I'd rather stay alone as I am until this virus decides to take its hooks then be left with all the time I have to continue to see them in the future, instead of taking chances and ending up dead. It's just not worth it if you value your life.

Oops, the REST of the family ???

Just because Boris says you can, it doesn't mean you should.

We all have to assess our individual circumstances. My DD is a Teacher and has 2 school age children, therefore it is not a good idea for us to meet up. I haven't been in her house since early March. I shall miss being together terribly, but it is better to be apart now, so that when we can finally be together no-one is missing.

I think the 5days of relaxed rules is absolutely stupid...I'm dreading seeing what happens in January...I miss my family with all my heart but would rather have lots of christmases with them in the future than just this one!!
My 13year old granddaughter has tested positive and showing no symptoms..that's how scary this virus is...cant see it ..but it's there...

Quite agree with those who say they think it's worth missing one family Christmas in the hope of having future ones. Like you, farview, I hate to think what January will bring.

The 5 day rule is thinking with the heart, not with the brain.

The virus will not say: "wait, it is xmas! No, I will take a break and come back later"

Could v should?
Weigh up your own risks and act accordingly.
I too think Januarys figures will not be pleasant to hear .

I have never thought the relaxation over Christmas made remotely any sense, but then look at Johnson, and it tells you everything.

We will not be going to see dd and family but hope to meet somewhere fir a walk. Its disappointing of course but in my mind, its sensible. We can always do somethimg together in spring. Just imagine if by micong someine you love gets hit by it and usnt around next christmas.
Just being announced london and other areas in the south are tier 3.

We are just having one meal together on Christmas day -DH has some vulnerability so he's going to sit at the far end of the table not opposite anyone else. I think this is just for his comfort- probably doesn't make any difference.

If by mixing someone ..typo.

We'd not made any plans so none to change.

As a few have said on GN, they think January's figures will not be pleasant.

2nd Lockdown finished on 2 December. Tiers introduced so more movement around. A week later cases start to increase. 12 days later they are increasing rapidly.

Using that comparison by 10 January we could well see the impact of all the movement and gatherings the 5 days drop of restrictions for Christmas. 3rd wave - biggest one yet.

We will have DD plus partner who both work from home, so just us four, but luckily, we have no elderly relatives or young children to disappoint. We are not high risk, but take care and don't go anywhere other than one careful masked food shop per week. All Xmas shopping has been done online, small independent retailers.

And yes, I think that January is going to be horrendous. I totally understand though, why Johnson went against medical and scientific advice; people would have met up anyway and who on earth wants to police it? At least by making concessions with limits, there is hope that people will stick to the rules.

We’re having Xmas on our own now. Too risky in my opinion to mix. I’m hearing Covid is rife in lots of schools at the moment, so don’t want the risk of GC bringing it into the house.

I have not changed my plans which is to spend part of the day at my sisters house, she is my support bubble as I live alone, and my daughter is joining us. There will be six of us in total and think I have assessed the risks adequately. I am 64 with no underlying health problems other than being over weight. My local area is lower than the national average for infections ( and has not increased for a long time) even though we are in Tier Three due to being in Greater Manchester.

All adults work currently from home and rarely go out.
Children will have finished school a week before and both of them had Covid early on in the pandemic.
My sister plans not to go shopping in the last week, any fresh food will be added to my click and collect order.
I will be sitting in a chair at least 6 ft away from the others, including at the dining table.
Window open front and back of the large lounge.
Hand sanitiser by my side and I’ll be washing my hands a lot.
I’m providing paper towels so I don’t need to share towels in the bathroom.
I will have my own serving spoon.
When we play games, I won’t be touching any playing pieces, I’m too lazy and let my nephew do it!
I’m driving myself so that I don’t need a taxi home - no alcohol which will be very odd!

My family think I am going overboard but I’ve thought it through and I don’t think my mental health will cope with being on my own. I’m struggling more with loneliness now as it’s winter and many of my “social” Zoom activities are ceasing for the holidays so I have only three more sessions planned until the 2nd January - I’m dreading it.

I think everyone needs to evaluate their own risk and act accordingly.

My daughter will be coming up on the 27th as much for my grandson' s mentally swell being as ours. He nearly lost his dad last year and being shut in a tiny flat was too much for him.

No. We’re not rethinking Christmas.

The 25 th December is like any other day for the virus. I have told my three daughters that I have decided to stay alone even though the government has given me permission to be with one family. I want to see my DGCs grow so it is not worth the risk, to be there this year. Mentally I am no different from anyone else, I want to be touched, cuddled and kissed which I haven’t done since last March. I hope the virus will be controlled in the next few months, which is not that long considering the last war was five years. Do what you feel is right for you.