With coronavirus restrictions being a non-negotiable aspect of all of our lives, it is difficult to imagine a normal Christmas under such conditions. In a time when many people normally choose to gather, we are being encouraged to do the exact opposite unless strictly necessary.
The UK government, and the governments of the devolved nations, having initially promised an all-nations approach to the issue of Christmas contact rules, have diverged from this plan to signal different rules or guidance for each of the four nations.
Both Northern Ireland and Wales have announced post-Christmas lockdowns, whilst First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged Scots to have no more than 8 in their “Christmas bubble”. As in England, the rule of three households being allowed to mix remains, with PM Boris Johnson encouraging a “small” Christmas for all.
“The sentiment that is shared across the nations is that this cannot be a normal Christmas.”
Whilst for some families this may make no practical difference to their plans, it signifies the extent of disagreement amongst politicians as to how a Covid Christmas can be executed – if at all. The one sentiment that is shared across the nations is that this cannot be a normal Christmas.
Of the familiar activities associated with Christmas – from carolling and nativity shows, to shopping for gifts – there are few that have not happened in 2020 in some form.
Facing the challenge of putting on a traditional nativity play during a pandemic, Grasmere School decided to create a film for their performance that parents and supporters are able to watch online. Reimagining the Christmas story in the pandemic year, the play sees Mary and Joseph unable to find an “inn” (hotel) due to their being closed because of pandemic restrictions.
Carolling was officially deemed legal following the November lockdown, whilst pantomime actors have found an opportunity to perform their craft through door-to-door performances, following the style of many carollers.
Turning to retail, Boxing Day is usually recognised as a window of opportunity for businesses to shift large amounts of stock, whilst customers seek a bargain from extensive sales in clothing, gifts and other non-essentials. However, the decision of the Welsh government to reinstate lockdown conditions from 6pm on Christmas Day means that Christmas Eve will be the last hurrah for in-person sales for retailers and shoppers alike, whilst for shoppers in Northern Ireland it will be their last chance to browse before a six-week lockdown.
“In strange times, it seems inevitable that consumers will feel nostalgic for Christmases past.”
Yet the picture is not all bad. Online sales are likely to continue to rise, with businesses finding ways to tempt customers to continue their Christmas habits of yesteryear. Currys PC World are giving shoppers the opportunity to “click and collect” Christmas orders, while they have the opportunity to virtually “browse” the store through their ShopLive feature.
The inevitable finale of the festive period is, of course, Christmas Day. With government advice recommending the maintaining of social distancing within Christmas bubbles, familiar activities such as pulling crackers and the family piling around the table for the Christmas meal are under question. For instance, SAGE advice recommends against including traditional board games in your festivities, as players will be touching the same pieces when playing.
In strange times, it seems inevitable that consumers will feel nostalgic for Christmases past. Reflecting this, certain older Christmas traditions have seen a revival due to the conditions of the pandemic. Despite the pressures placed on the Royal Mail due to social distancing measures, 2020 is predicted to be a bountiful year for Christmas card sales, with a YouGov survey indicating that well-wishers will send up to 10 more cards than usual.
The BBC reported that sales of sherry, a Spanish sweet wine associated with the festive season that was once very popular in the UK, have risen dramatically as customers reach for “holiday flavours” to mix festive cocktails at home.
There may be many restrictions governing our lives during this Christmas period – but it is also clear that through persistence and innovation, the festive spirit for is still alive and well for many.
Alice Manning
Featured image courtesy of Volodymyr Hryshchenko via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.