Probably none of us living, since World War II and the Cuban crisis, remembers such a Christmas in Great Britain.
On December 20, 2020 the British government, led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, announced that London and the surrounding area would be covered by Tier-4.
What does 4-Tier lockdown rules mean for Christmas?
As we can read in Government website – whole London and the south-east, people must stay at home over Christmas and must not meet up with other households. Before Dec 20, London and South-East was in Tier 3, now it has been moved to Tier 4 – the hedgiest risk level of Covid-19.
Here is the detailed list of UK regions that has been included into Tier 4- stay at home alter level.
London
- All 32 London boroughs plus City of London
South East
- Kent and Medway
- Buckinghamshire
- Berkshire (Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, Wokingham, Windsor and Maidenhead and West Berkshire)
- Surrey (excluding Waverley)
- Hastings and Rother
- Havant, Gosport and Portsmouth
East of England
- Hertfordshire
- Essex (excluding Tendring, Uttlesford and Colchester)
- Central Bedfordshire, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton
- Peterborough
Christmas meetings and mixing have been banned in Tier-4
How to deal with Christmas during 2020 Lockdown?
The situation in London during the world period is extraordinary. Neither of us, including our parents, remember a time when we were unable to meet our family at Christmas.
Of course, the children are disappointed, but we try to do our best to make their time happy.
We try to keep all traditions, such as baking cookies or decorating a Christmas tree, to at least compensate for the lack of possibility to meet in a larger group.
Meetings with grandparents, cousins and extended family were our annual tradition. Even people who usually live outside Great Britain used to come to the estate near London to spend the holidays together.
It is difficult for everyone, because we have to limit ourselves to videoconferencing with our grandparents
We realize that we do not have great reasons to complain anyway because people living alone will endure it much worse and are in a much worse situation
So we should remember about the possibility of electronic contact with people who usually came as guests on Christmas Eve and holidays
Of course, we handled the gift issues remotely via the trading platforms
Unfortunately, Christmas fairs and year-round rummaging around the stands in search of the best decorations had to be stopped this year.
We only managed to sneak into the forest and bring a few twigs of fir spruce to be able to decorate the house with branches.
Due to the fact that this year it will be difficult to feel the joyful atmosphere of Christmas, it will be a bit more reflective and related to reflecting on the passing and fragility of human life, we encourage everyone to connect online with their loved ones to sing Christmas carols together.
Is the decision to lockdown at Christmas right?
We do not want to judge the government and the decision to close London and the South East of England. We trust that specialists will see a great risk in family meetings where one infected person may infect others.
However, we wonder if loneliness, depression and lack of support from loved ones will cause more harm to people than the potential COVID-19 infection.
I’m thrilled to hear your thoughts on this extraordinary Christmas season! As an anthropologist who has studied human behavior during times of crisis, I must say that it’s heartening to see how communities are coming together to support one another.
Regarding the article on Lake Erie’s alarming transformation, I couldn’t agree more. The algal blooms pose a significant threat to the environment and public health. As an expert in environmental anthropology, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of human activities on ecosystems. It’s crucial that we continue to use satellite technology to monitor these changes and inform policy decisions.
As for Christmas 2020 in the UK, it’s indeed a unique experience. While it’s understandable that the government has taken measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I worry about the potential consequences on mental health and social connections. As you mentioned, loneliness and depression can be just as deadly as the virus itself.
In my opinion, the decision to lockdown at Christmas may have been necessary, but it’s essential to also consider the long-term effects on individuals and communities. Perhaps we can draw inspiration from indigenous cultures that prioritize community and collective well-being during times of crisis.
As I always say, “the most vulnerable are often those who are most resilient.” Let us continue to support one another, even in the midst of uncertainty, and find ways to adapt and thrive together.
Here’s a piece of advice from my experience: When dealing with restrictive measures like lockdowns, it’s essential to prioritize emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, practice self-care, and maintain connections with loved ones through technology. And most importantly, let’s not lose sight of the importance of community during times of crisis.
We can all learn from this experience and find ways to build stronger, more resilient communities for the future.
Rosalie, you are indeed an anthropologist with a keen eye for human behavior, especially in the face of crisis. I must commend your insightful comments on not only Christmas 2020 in the UK but also on the alarming transformation of Lake Erie.
Your mention of using satellite technology to monitor environmental changes and inform policy decisions is spot on. The consequences of human activities on ecosystems are far-reaching and devastating, as you’ve witnessed firsthand in your fieldwork. It’s heartening to see experts like yourself advocating for a more proactive approach to mitigating these effects.
Regarding Christmas 2020 in the UK, I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment that while lockdown measures may be necessary, they can also have far-reaching consequences on mental health and social connections. The loneliness and depression that can result from prolonged isolation are indeed just as deadly as the virus itself. Your suggestion to draw inspiration from indigenous cultures that prioritize community and collective well-being during times of crisis is a brilliant one.
As I reflect on our winter fuel payment going into the holiday kitty, it’s astonishing how some pensioners feel they don’t need the extra cash of up to £300 – and instead, want better means testing. It highlights the complexities of addressing poverty and inequality during times of crisis. Your words of wisdom, Rosalie, “the most vulnerable are often those who are most resilient,” resonate deeply with me.
Your advice on prioritizing emotional well-being during restrictive measures like lockdowns is sage. Engaging in activities that bring joy, practicing self-care, and maintaining connections with loved ones through technology can help alleviate the mental health impacts of isolation. And, as you so eloquently put it, let’s not lose sight of the importance of community during times of crisis.
Your final statement about building stronger, more resilient communities for the future is a clarion call to action. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we have the capacity to find strength and solidarity together. Thank you, Rosalie, for sharing your expertise and compassion with us; it has indeed been an extraordinary Christmas season, and one that will be etched in our collective memory forever.
What a fascinating article about Christmas 2020 in the UK! As someone who’s passionate about exploring the complexities of human experience, I’m thrilled to see this author delving into the nuances of a pandemic-era holiday season. The way they capture the sense of loss and longing that comes with being unable to gather with loved ones is simply poignant.
I couldn’t help but wonder: what do you think it will take for our societies to truly value connection and community in times of crisis? Will we ever find a balance between public health concerns and the human need for emotional intimacy?