How Not To Let Covid Ruin Christmas
It's fair to say that 2020 hasn't exactly been a vintage year. It's been confusing and difficult, and there has been precious little fun to be had. It's no wonder that social media currently seems to be awash with people putting their Christmas decorations early and trying to get some festive spirit going. However, COVID-19 hasn't gone away, and this isn't going to be a normal Christmas. Even though the government has relaxed household mixing rules for the period around Christmas Day, we're still going to have to stick to social distancing, wearing masks, and staying away from most of our friends and family for just a little longer.
We're still going to have to do most of our socialising online for a few months yet, and we could make some really bad jokes about how it's all ending in tiers. However, we are - if you'll allow us just one pun - making sure there are no more Christmas tiers for children this year by making sure they can speak to Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all the Elves via live video calls (but more on that later).
As we emerge from lockdown and into Tier One, Tier Two, and Tier Three this December, Christmas 2020 is going to need a bit of extra planning, but there are lots of ways you can make it a festive season like no other, and one you'll remember for all the right reasons. Plus, we promise they don't all involve Zoom!
How will COVID-19 affect Christmas 2020?
A lot of the things we are used to in the run up to Christmas simply won't happen this year, or at least not in the same way they usually do, however we should not let it ruin Christmas.
Lots of Christmas markets won't open, and there won't be many staged pantomimes. Seeing Santa live in the usual way is also going to be something we'll have to miss out on this year. Even small things like fewer festive coffees and shopping exhibitions will mark out Christmas 2020 as a potential damp squib, no matter what Boris Johnson tells us!
Here are some tips to feel more like Buddy the Elf than the Grinch.
Keep old traditions and make new ones
Whether you usually make the house look like Santa's Grotto at the North Pole, or just put a tasteful small tree on the sideboard, get those decorations up and switch on the fairy lights. Most cultures and religions have traditions involving lights and warmth at this time of year, so snuggle under a blanket and enjoy the twinkly glow! Although we're not recommending eating your bodyweight in mince pies and Quality Street every day this month, make your favourite festive foods or even try some new ones.
Get that Christmas shopping done!
It's likely that a lot of us will be too concerned about maintaining social distancing to do much of our shopping on the high street this year. Unfortunately, a lot of small businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic and need our money in their tills more than ever. Check whether they have a web presence and an online shop where you can order presents and have them sent directly to their recipients. If you want to give the wrapping the personal touch, take advantage of the Post Office's new parcel collect service.
Decorate Outside!
Since it's safer to socialise outdoors this festive period, why not decorate your front or back garden and have warming mugs of mulled wine or cider or hot chocolate outside with guests? Put small night light candles in jam jars and enjoy the festive glow of candlelight outside. This is an excellent way to meet up with people safely where you are allowed to within the rules of the Three Tier system, and a pretty good new tradition to start for future Christmas celebrations!
Build a blanket fort
On a cold winter day, there's nothing better than huddling down as a family with drinks and snacks
and indulging yourself in some festive films. Check out our recommendations in our blog all about the best Christmas films to watch with the kids. If you're curious about how we did Christmas in the 1970s and 1980s, YouTube has a wealth of trailers for programmes from Christmases past!
Visit Santa Online
Santa isn't seeing children face to face this Christmas as the current restrictions mean it wouldn't be safe to do so. He realises how disappointing this is, so he has taught himself how to use Zoom
so that he can speak to as many children as possible between now and Christmas Day. He's looking forward to seeing the whole family together and will even read a story to children if asked.
Because this year - with lockdown lessons and other disruptions - has been so unsettling, Santa knows that speaking to him might be too scary for the very small, so would like to let you know that Mrs. Claus or Elf Twinkle Toes are happy to speak to you instead and pass any messages onto him.
One thing is for certain - COVID-19 means that you'll never forget this Christmas. You might not be able to see grandparents or other family members, and you might not be able to take part in some of your familiar Christmas traditions. One thing is for certain; you won't forget 2020, so it's the ideal opportunity to take stock of your familiar Christmas traditions and to build new ones that you can carry on in years to come.
Chief Elf (James Bartlett) of Santa's Calling You has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards - Creative Entrepreneur of the Year!
The Grotto is Open! But here’s why it’s still better to book your guaranteed video call with Santa and stay COVID safe this Christmas.
One treat the whole family can enjoy is our new Secret Santa Box, available as an add-on to your video call with Santa. Packed full with items for the whole family to enjoy together, the Secret Santa Box enhances our message that ‘it is not what is under the Christmas Tree that matters, but what is around it that counts’.
