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Christmas is just over 100 days away, and while people tend to release the first decorations or TV spots around this time of year, the conversation in 2020 is very different.
Covid-19 means that everything we are used to at Christmas will likely be very different this festive season.
Even the most optimistic people can’t imagine Ireland being Covid-free in December, so all the traditions you’re used to will have to change.
The likes of domestic restrictions and social distancing laws mean that everything from catching up with friends to dinner itself will be strange.
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Here are a number of things that will definitely not be the same if we still have similar restrictions;
Christmas dinner
For those with large families who are used to more than a dozen people coming over for the traditional turkey roast, they won’t have it this year.
Household restrictions will almost certainly remain in place, so there will be a limit to the number of people you can invite.
The current advice is: “Social visits to homes, both indoors and outdoors, should be limited to a maximum of 6 visitors from no more than 3 homes.”
The 12 pubs
The pubs will open later this month, but with very strict guidelines for social distancing indoors.
In theory, the 12 traditional pubs could work if you sat inside, but councils are highly unlikely to allow people to drop from pub to pub.
Instead, you may have to stay in a pub and stay at the table.
Christmas work parties
The traditional office party seems ready for most, unless you work in small offices or hope to do it virtually.
You cannot have more than six at a table currently, which would cause most offices to have to reconsider plans.
This, of course, will not be a blow to everyone.
Mass of Christmas
Usually the busiest time of year in churches, but with capacity limits, most people will not be attending local church this Christmas.
Instead, there will be socially distant gatherings indoors and many more will watch from their homes.
Christmas pantomimes
If the Christmas holidays are to continue this year they will be very different experiences.
At the moment, crowds of no more than 50 people are allowed at the venues, so unless that changes, most of the great pantos will not be financially viable.
The rules currently state: “Some cultural venues, such as theaters, cinemas and galleries can also hold up to 50 people, but they must ensure that physical distance measurements are taken.”
See friends at home from abroad
Many friends will still be able to return home for the festive period we look forward to, with the green list playing a significant role in that.
But for some, the hassle of being quarantined for two weeks and possibly another two weeks in the country they now live in will mean fewer friends and family will return home in December.
Purchases
Shopping is already very different with store number limitations and many changes once you step foot in the store.
Now think about how busy city centers tend to be in the run-up to Christmas.
Online shopping will likely take care of a lot, though you need to be prepared and do it early – panicked shoppers could be in trouble.
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