Four tell how they celebrate Christmas during the corona pandemic

Working at Christmas is nothing new for IVA nurse Anna Lammert. People get sick no matter what is on the calendar and in general it is like any other day, except that the region offers Christmas dishes.

But with that said, this year’s Christmas Eve is, of course, different.

– In the past, happy relatives came and wished you Merry Christmas. Now it won’t be like that, says Anna.

Also, Anna’s family cannot visit grandmother and grandfather as they usually do when she left them her passport today. Her three children are starting to grow up, but they have still expressed some disappointment. Christmas is Christmas, no matter how old you are, as Anna says. Since you will be getting up and working even on Christmas Day, it is early to go to bed, which also applies today.

What about Kalle’s Christmas at the hospital?

– We put it for those who are awake. Unfortunately, it works well when we have shift changes, so it can be difficult for staff to see, says Anna Lammert.

When we hear a couple of days before Christmas, it is still unclear what the celebration of Sirkka Wendeborn will be like. The usual family gathering can be held in the open air and therefore depends on the weather as a summer celebration.

– In the current situation, with the increase in the spread of infection, you have to be careful. We all think so. Like the situation!

Sirkka, who walks almost every day throughout the year, is not afraid of cold and humidity.

– Well, it’s just a matter of dressing properly. It may only be an hour, the main thing is that we meet, he says.

The company is made up of Sirkka’s daughters with the family and the menu includes Santa’s porridge, ham sandwich, coffee and English fruit cake. When the family has eaten, they will go separately and visit the grave of the father of the daughters.

Is Christmas an important holiday for you?

– I think it’s very nice, but now that I’m so old it’s not that important. It was more when the children and grandchildren were young, says Sirkka Wendeborn.

It was Prime Minister Löfven’s speech at the end of November that became the nail in the coffin of Leonardo Rhedin’s Christmas plans.

– When the new restrictions came, I realized that it would not work, he says.

The current plan was for the college student to go with his father and siblings in Falun. The celebration is usually quiet and quite traditional. They cook together, watch Kalle Anka and pat each other at night.

– My sister is not that old, so much attention is paid to have a fun experience, says Leonardo.

Now he will stay in Gothenburg and spend Christmas Eve with his mother. Leonardo Rhedin and his brothers are usually here every two years.

– This year is the first time I celebrate without them. It feels very boring. Too. But you have to adapt and take responsibility when it comes to a pandemic, he says.

What do you want most in a life free from pandemics?
– Being able to live spontaneously with friends. Make up things without thinking about how close you are to others, hugs and such.