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With a quarter of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, it was inevitable that Europe would have a much quieter Christmas this year.
The UK has announced that up to three households can form a “bubble” for five days during the Christmas period, meaning that families will be able to reunite during the festive period.
But with cases increasing in many European countries, leaders are still grappling with difficult decisions about how far the restrictions can be lifted.
Rue Saint-Honore in Paris is decorated with illuminations for Christmas
France
Facing one of the worst second waves of the pandemic In Europe, Christmas will be very different in France this year.
Paris will not hold its Christmas market or open ice rinks, and much of the hotel industry, including restaurants, cafes and bars, will remain closed until January 20 next year.
The Champs Elysees illuminated in Paris, France
However, in an announcement that would have brought retailers sighs of relief, President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised speech that France would begin easing its closure this weekend to allow stores, theaters and cinemas to reopen. In Christmas.
He also said that people will be able to vacation with their families and travel across the country to see their loved ones on Christmas Eve and New Years.
Public gatherings will not yet be allowed on these nights and the ski resorts will remain closed until January.
Germany
Many of us associate the festive season with German-style Christmas markets, with sparkling log cabins selling gingerbread, bratwurst, and festive crafts.
But Germany has been forced to cancel many of its markets this year to avoid an increase in infections.
Instead, some folks have gotten creative with their festivities, with a Bavarian innkeeper opening a self-serve Christmas market.
A self-service Christmas market in Landshut, Germany
Chancellor Angela Merkel has said families should be able to spend time together at Christmas, “perhaps with protective measures,” despite a record 410 deaths from COVID-19 being reported on Wednesday.
Germany agreed to extend and tighten its “lockdown lite” until at least December 20, but relaxed the rules over the holidays to allow loved ones to celebrate together.
The country will reduce the number of people allowed to gather to five out of two households, but gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed during Christmas and New Years.
Spain
The country has yet to decide its plans for the Christmas period, but Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said he is considering limiting the celebrations to six people.
Spain has reported more than 1.8 million COVID-19 cases, the second highest figure in Western Europe after France, and Sánchez has spoken of the balancing act that governments face.
People walk through the Botanical Garden of Madrid in Spain
“We have two desires: to be with those we love the most and to embrace them, and the obligation to protect them,” he said.
Because without a doubt our greatest aspiration is to be able to live and share many more Christmases in the company of our loved ones ”.
On Tuesday, the Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that the government would recommend that office meetings be held on restaurant terraces, outdoors or in a place with “no more than two walls.”
The newspaper has also said that the beginning of the current night curfews will be moved to 1 a.m. M. From 11 p.m. From December 24th and 31st.
As for the Three Kings processions that take place in January and are popular with children, El Mundo said the government could recommend holding “static” processions.
Belgium
In one of the worst affected countries in Europe, the government is concerned about a third wave of infections.
“Either we break a third wave at Christmas or we do a third wave at Christmas,” said Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who plans to celebrate with just his wife and two children.
A lighting installation in Brussels, Belgium, last year
To take home its message, the Belgian government has written to “Saint Nicholas”, who visits the children with gifts on December 6.
“Keep your distance, wash your hands regularly and wear a mask when necessary,” the letter urged.
Meanwhile, the famous Brussels Christmas market has been canceled.
To keep the Christmas spirit alive, the city is moving ahead with the installation of an 18-meter tree and nativity scene in the middle of the Grand Place.
Norway
In Norway, where the main celebrations are traditionally held on December 24, the government has said that being able to return home for the holiday is of “great value.”
Christmas decorations on a street in Lillehammer, Norway, last year
But Prime Minister Erna Solberg has said the country “must see a clear decline in infection and get better control before we consider opening (for) more social contact.”
The Norwegian government has just extended its national measures for another three weeks, which include closing theaters, cinemas and swimming pools.
Bars and restaurants can no longer serve alcohol.
Italy
The country’s famous love of hugging and kissing friends will be held back this Christmas season.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned last week: “We will have to spend the holidays in a more sober way. Big parties, kisses and hugs will not be possible.”
A shopping street in Rome, Italy
He also told Italians not to ski during the holidays, after clusters of coronavirus cases in resorts helped spread infections across Europe during the first wave.
Many regions of Italy are still in partial lockdown, and the restrictions are expected to remain in place until at least December 3, but retailers and restaurants are pinning their hopes on reviving business over the Christmas period.
