Is Christmas cancelled?

[Workingman]

UK leaders are talking following the news of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK, London going into T3, and the open letter to government from the Health Service Journal and British Medical Journal.

It was never a good idea, let's be honest, to open up for five days of Christmas, but this feels a bit stage managed. It has all the elements of a narrative to allow for a U-turn, but this time it is the right thing to do. Unfortunately, and this is why it is too late, most people have already made their plans and many of them will not break or change them. Christmas will go ahead - regardless.

Ah well, stuff happens.

[Kaz]

It's all very difficult. Becky has arranged to visit her dad from the 23rd until the 27th, and has booked her train tickets I would far rather she stayed here, but she's a grown woman I am however insisting on her staying away from D for a week at least when she returns!

Chris is coming for his Christmas lunch but he's been virtually self-isolating for months, and will drive himself here.

[Workingman]

M, S and L are coming up from Oxford on the 27th and staying in an AirBnB. As things stand that's fine, but when we go back to T3 on the 28th we can only go to the park to meet.

Let's hope the weather holds!

[TheOstrich]

My view is that it should have been, and a long time ago.

Kaz, there's a news item coming up on Points West that two guys have cancelled their walk-around garden Xmas lights display because of the crowds so far that have attended. I'm fairly sure from the brief clip I saw that it's the one here in Gillingham **. Last Saturday we had a Christmas Street Market in the High Street. That was also rammed by all accounts.

The point is, you simply cannot trust people to behave responsibly. It only needs one new-variant super-spreader .....

According to a YouGov poll, a majority of people (57%) in Great Britain believe the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions over Christmas should be scrapped.

The basic will seems to be there, so the Four Nations should take heed.

** EDIT: No it's not, it's in Tintinhull, Somerset. What is remarkable is that the name of one of the guys, Dan Warr-Extance, is identical to the guy who runs the Shetland Pony Sanctuary Charity Shop in town! And we do have a walk-around garden Xmas lights display (done for Air Ambulance) up the Peacemarsh end of town!

[Kaz]

Ossie, I think the city of Gloucester will go into Tier 3 tomorrow. Maybe the whole county.

[cruiser2]

We will notbe having any visitors now or over Christmas.
Will speak toneighbours but socialy distance.
We keep away from people even when shopping in Supermarkets.
Watched the news this morning where young people in London are sitting and standing very close to each other drinking.
The numbers will increase after Christmas.

[saundra]

I'm at a loss to understand it all really so many changes if not need our since last year well once with my neighbour
Yet I see number going up all the time
Haven't seen eldest son and his family since last boxing day but he is planning to come over Xmas and like Jonathan stay for a few hours no hugs no contact
It is truly heartbroken moments so will they all come I don't know you can't bring back time that has been spent just waiting to see family little ones growing up who don't understand why they can't hug you Scarlett hugs my legs bless here
Feeling sad now sigh xxx hope you get to see your family Frank

I might add last week I had my hair cut by a mobile hairdresser yet can't hug my family

[medsec222]

I have not seen my son for over six months. He and his partner are booking in to a local hotel and will call to see us for half an hour or so. I am happy with that.

[saundra]

That's all I want as well just a few hours not 5days I hope you get to see your son meddi

[medsec222]

Thanks Saundra - I am looking forward to seeing them both xx