Coronavirus: How can Christmas be different this year

Bah nonsense! Will Christmas Really Cancel?

That was the question on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson laid the new “rule of six” in England, Gatherings are restricted to a maximum of six people From Monday.

Scotland later announced that it was following suit. Wales and Northern Ireland have also tightened restrictions.

Johnson said it was “too early to say” whether big parties could be held over Christmas. When asked if families would be able to celebrate together during the winter break, Health Secretary Matt Hancock replied: “Not necessarily.”

So if the recent restrictions remain in place, how could Christmas be any different this year?

1. The big day – the big dinner

Under the new directive, there will be a limit of six people from multiple families in social gatherings in EnglandAnd six members of two families In Scotland. There are some exceptions, but a family of five, for example, can be left to an embarrassing decision: Should we call grandma or grandpa?

Either way, the rules mean there will be fewer places at the table for the all-important Christmas dinner – although there may be more turkeys to roam around.

But then it’s a guessing game for turkey farmers. Nick and Maria Davis, from Usk Vale Poultry in South Wales, raise 70,000 turkeys for Christmas, but have shrunk by about 20% for 2020 due to the uncertainty.

“The lead-up to Christmas will be a nightmare,” Nick said, adding, “This isn’t fun for a turkey farmer at the best of times, but this year we’re really very anxious – it’s a lucky turkey product that gets this. Christmas is right and not smart. “.

2. Christmas “do”

Annual office Christmas parties, Boxing Day turkey curry buffets, and pre-Christmas dinners with friends will follow the “rule of six” – in both private homes and guesthouses.

Places that follow the government’s Covid-secure guidelines will be allowed to host more than six people in total, but no one should visit them in a group of more than six.

Therefore, the guest lists will only be strict for Christmas parties 2020. Of course, not everyone will be disappointed at the idea that they might be left out of the birthday party …

Another pre-Christmas staple, for parents of young children at least, is cot play. It could be on the calendar in England, provided the events align with the government The rules of performing arts.

3. Christmas Eve at the pub

The annual Christmas Eve trip to the pub to catch up on old friends and family is also outstanding.

Industry experts have warned of lower levels of bar trading after the recent restrictions, so it seems unlikely that large crowds will spill out from the local pub, as they usually do during party season.

Emma McLarkin, CEO of the British Beer & Pub Association, said pubs will continue to implement guidelines “to ensure their customers safely enjoy the unique and warm atmosphere that only a pub can offer.”

But the “advertising inevitably.” [on Wednesday] It will calm the confidence of the public to go and visit the pub, which will reach trading levels. “

4. Midnight Mass

Elsewhere, places of worship may remain open – but a maximum of six people attending per group, according to new England guidelines. There are also exceptions for places of worship in Scotland.

This means that the Midnight Mass, the Christmas Mass, and the Christmas Mass, should be able to move forward, but without the congregation singing.

In service, current rules state that people should avoid social interaction with anyone outside of the group they interact with, even if they see other people they know.

“I welcome the prime minister’s assertion that houses of worship can still accommodate more than six people in total,” said Sarah Mulally, Bishop of London.

“We will continue to work with the government in specific areas related to our churches and church activities.”

5. Silent acting

Sadly, it may be the case of “oh no, it isn’t” when it comes to this year’s Bantu Christmas.

The ongoing uncertainty about when theaters could be fully reopened to the public has already driven many venues and production companies To cancel their 2020 offers.

People are allowed to attend indoor and outdoor performances in England, but theaters are still subject to social distancing guidelines. Theaters in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have yet to reopen.

“We understand why this is happening,” said Richard Hughes, CEO of the Awen Cultural Trust, which runs venues in Wales including the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl.

“Moving forward is uncertainty that is difficult to deal with. There is still no light at the end of the tunnel about when theaters will return, let alone a return without social distancing.”

6. Shopping

Coronavirus restrictions will change the way we do Christmas shopping. In short, there are sure to be more clicks and less expensive stores around this year.

“Christmas is going to be very digital,” said Natalie Berg, retail analyst at NBK Retail. She said how, when and what people are buying this year will be “materially different”.

She said retailers such as Amazon will continue to “buy” the trade this Christmas. The biggest challenge for them will be to ensure that they have sufficient capacity to meet the “tsunami” of online orders.

She said that in terms of in-store shopping, the overall expectation was that turnout would be declining year on year. But when shoppers do exit, they “definitely spend”.

“Consumer demands have not disappeared, they just switched on. Skip the turkeys but spraying Christmas decorations for the home will be something to do in 2020.”

7. New Year’s Eve

And after all the joy of Christmas, how about New Year’s Eve?

Well, some events have already been affected by the restrictions. It was tickets for a Hogmanay Street concert in Edinburgh Withdrawn from sale In July, organizers said the event could not continue in the usual way.

But parties can still be enjoyed at homes and venues – but only in groups of six, should restrictions persist in England and Scotland.