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With less than six weeks to go until December 25, it is still unclear how we will be able to celebrate Christmas and the run-up to it this year amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Taoiseach said this week that an “exit plan” from the Level 5 restrictions is in the works and that the government will tell people what it is before the end of November.
But in the meantime, how do those who play a key role in the parties prepare?
Public worship
Those involved in the preparation of the religious services said that it is not yet clear whether people will be able to attend Christmas Mass or other public worship, as it is not allowed in Level 3 and above.
However, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he believes churches will be open before Christmas week, which will give religious believers some hope that traditional services can continue.
Choirs
The Palestrina Choir at Dublin’s Pro Cathedral is busily preparing for Christmas services, but in a different way than before.
Currently a limited number of choristers are allowed to attend church rehearsals and performances at any one time. Another practice is taking place online.
Blánaid Murphy, director of choral music at the Pro Cathedral, said he is determined to make the Christmas performances happen, at least virtually and, if restrictions allow, with a limited audience.
He has already organized a pre-recording of some services that will be available on Vimeo or streaming so that people can continue to enjoy the Christmas carols that he believes are as essential a part of Christmas as trees and turkeys.
Christmas experiences
Luggwoods has been running a “Christmas experience” in Saggart, in the Dublin Mountains, for the past five years. In the past, it involved a train from Santa Claus and a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Claus in a barn.
Luggwoods has completely rebuilt their experience to do it outdoors just this year. The train has been replaced by a walking path through an enchanted forest and the encounter with Santa will be outdoors.
Luggwoods Director Elaine Kelly said tickets have been selling well, but the experience can only continue if the Level 5 restrictions that allow people to travel more than 3 miles are removed.
If we get to Level 2, he said some aspects of the event could go back indoors, but for now they are advising people to dress well for the weather and are praying for limited rainfall in December.
Santa visits
A visit to Santa in Arnotts has been a tradition for many families in the capital, but the retailer said it cannot yet confirm whether Claus will be able to make his annual visit to the grotto.
However, there are some exclusive 2020 alternatives that can give kids the opportunity to make their personal Santa requests without going too far.
Children in Ireland are being asked to send their letters to Santa as soon as possible because the Elves are working in groups this year due to Covid-19 and they need a bit more time as a result.
Ads have begun to appear on social media for a number of Santa’s drive-in and drive-through experiences. Among them is one found in the RDS, where the family can visit Santa and the elves without having to get out of the car.
Santa’s Snowglobe is one of several companies offering virtual tours of Santa using Zoom. Families can make an appointment with the Elves to connect with the North Pole and chat with Santa.
When this reporter got a chance to try it out, Santa knew my name and it had been great this year.
He also asked RTÉ News to relay a message to children in Ireland to send their letters to Santa as soon as possible because the Elves are working on capsules this year due to Covid-19 and as a result they need a little more time. .
Pantos
Many of those in the panto business believed that it would be a case of “oh no, it’s not” for the annual Christmas performances that generally take place at venues across the country.
But after the Arts Department made some grants available to the industry, it looks like it may be a case of “oh yes, it is” for various productions.
Many of those in the panto business believed it would be a case of “oh no, it’s not” for the annual Christmas presentations, but after some grants were made available to the industry, it looks like it could be a case of “oh yes it is.” for a series of productions. pic.twitter.com/oTCh6WOTWp
– RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 16, 2020
The Panto workers hope the show will continue, but details of how it will take place, how many people will be involved on stage, and how many audience members can yell “he’s behind you” are still being finalized.
Organizers of the annual panto at Dublin City University’s Helix have said that their presentation of ‘The Sword in the Stone’ will continue online, and fans of the panto will be able to tune in from the comfort of their own homes.
Festive trade
The retail sector, restaurant and bar trade eagerly await the government announcement on what will happen after December 1 and the details of that will determine how your business will perform before and during Christmas this year.
Based on how things worked when these sectors previously reopened, there has been widespread acceptance that the traditional Christmas party is canceled for 2020.
The Taoiseach almost confirmed this last week when he said there will be no “in the whip” this holiday season.
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