We’re just over two and a half weeks into our 6 week lockdown here in Ireland. I am very pleased to report that there is strong evidence to suggest that it is working in terms of cutting down the case numbers which were gone into overdrive in most areas when it was imposed. It was like we were running downhill towards a cliff edge.
This Lockdown is impacting very hard on some sectors, especially hospitality, aviation, non-essential retail and people in care homes to mention just a few. Schools remain open this time, as do colleges and universities but the latter are predominantly online.
A lot of the emphasis during this Lockdown has been on Christmas and trying to ensure that it has a semblance of normality about it and that businesses can benefit from Christmas trade.
The whole Christmas thing affects people and families very differently. Christmas is pretty much another day in our house so it takes a bit of mind-stretching to get to grips with families who see it as a time to gather and party in large numbers. The last time that was part of my existence was when us three kids used to come home from wherever we were to spend the holidays with Mother and Father. That was in our single days and I still remember the buzz of the whole thing with happiness.
I am just not sure if placing a mega emphasis on Christmas is a good thing this year, if the price to be paid is a further escalation of the virus and more deaths and lockdowns. It’s probably easy for me to say that because I won’t be stuck somewhere wishing I was with my loved ones. But, is it really worth the risk to society?
I am wondering more and more about all this as I have been seeing Christmas decorations already being put up in and around our 5km restricted zone.
What do you reckon?
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 
I have fond memories of many Christmas holidays. I don’t like to see all the commercialization! Family times are important. Gifts if you can afford them, and if they are practical. With my mother in an assisted living facility, and one son very cautious we will travel an hour to their home and have a group of 9 to enjoy the holiday. Our other son is in Bangladesh, waiting for a visa to be able to get home, though not in time for Christmas. I hope during the holiday season people can focus on the “Reason for the Season,” which is Jesus, and not on Covid or Political issues! Enjoy your week.
Quite a complex situation, Marland.
I especially hope your mother is doing okay.
Great attitude, and quite healthy.
I’m delighted. She sounds like a wonderful character.
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I think governments keep giving dates to keep hopes alive.
We three sisters and our families get together at Christmas along with my brother-in-law’s family. It’s all about family, food and fun. One person brings one gift (not more than $25) and a game is played. The sister hosting was supposed to be in Thailand so we were going to have to change things up anyway. Now? We’ll have to wait and see. Reminds me of six years ago when Mick died. That was a difficult Christmas.
Dale, how can it be 6 years since Mick died. I was humbled by how you took the time to describe him as your soulmate in a post I put up at that very time. He would be so proud of how you have battled on.
I know, right? Thank you for your kind words. They are much appreciated.
Beyond my pleasure, Dale. He will always be in the hearts of all your long time followers.
That means a lot to me, Jean. Thank you. xoxo
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I call this year as the year that wasn’t ..A song comes to mind “I Just Called To Say I Love You”….I believe it was popular in the 80’s by Stevie Wonder (if I’m correct). ..It seems to hit this year on the nose…Thanksgiving and Christmas will be very different at least in our state. We had low numbers and once September came things changed with the influx of college students and the younger generation gathering in groups. .not practicing the social distant and mask rule. .The numbers are high again and we are forced to be in our homes from 10:00pm to 5:00am until further notice and masks must be worn at all times when outside…Hopefully a full shut down won’t happen. Christmas looks like it will be a quiet one and presents exchanged just between our immediate family and dropped off for others because of the social distant rules. .I look to the New Year with anticipation of the new changes that have occurred election wise ..The future holds great promises for all…
Yes, the future seems promising.
I love that song you mentioned.
Here in the States, there is much resistance to any new lockdown orders. We, a small family of 5 now, will have Thanksgiving dinner together, we will try for the two weeks before to stay as isolated as possible to not pick up anything from anyone outside our little circle. If all goes well we will do the same thing at Christmas. We have really pared down our Christmas list and it will be the first Holiday season I will not spend with my brother in 72 years.
That’s sad about being apart from your brother after all these years.
We tend not to gather as an extended family but I am still hoping to somehow enjoy meeting my sibs over the Christmas break, though it’s not looking great.
We do not plan any family functions as a result of the virus. Instead, we will celebrate quietly at home missing our family tremendously but keeping everyone safe. I know many people are putting decorations up early so as to add some much needed joy to a rather bleak year. Wishing you and yours safety and well being during these difficult times.
Yes, I think safety is the best present we can give each other this year. Your approach sounds like ours. Enjoy it as as best you can.
You don’t celebrate Christmas Jean? We celebrate it every year, this time though I wonder if I’ll be able to see my grandson who is turning eight this month. Maybe it’ll just be a low-key celebration.
I guess I don’t celebrate much in terms of what are often seen as key events but celebrate tiny things like rainbows. I am not religious but nor am I a party type in any shape or form. More of a one to one – always was and I can’t see it changing now. How I came to be a sociologist is a complete mystery!
I do hope you get to see your grandson. I am sure he’s a pet. Eight is a lovely age.
Happy to see the good figures which will give my Irish friends a boost and which hopefully is a forerunner of better news elsewhere.
As to Christmas it means nothing to me personally but it might mean a blast of oxygen for our retail and hospitality sectors which need it badly.