Different Type of Festivities This Year…

A short but sweet article to bring in the festive season.

With everything that is currently going on in the world thanks to Covid, Christmas and New Year will look and feel very different this year.

Even without all the scaremongering and fear from the mainstream media, this is proving a very difficult time for many people. Rules constantly changing.  The promise of being able to spend some limited time with friends and family has been taken away from millions of people at the last minute definitely hasn't helped.

With this in mind we thought it would be a good idea to revisit some ideas on how we can all stay socially connected even if we are socially distanced over the holidays.

Social Media/Online Platforms

The majority of options come via social media or online platforms - the most obvious is of course video chats.  There are numerous ways we can do this from Zoom to Facetime, even if we are all in separate houses over the Christmas period. we can still be together thanks to a computer/mobile screen.  Whilst it isn’t the exact same, it is better than nothing at all. 

If you’re on Zoom you can share a playlist of music that you can all listen, sing and dance along to.  If that doesn’t appeal then the “good old quiz” never fails to produce some laughs and smiles.

Maybe arrange an “online” party where you create a menu that everyone has to make or devise some cocktails for everyone to have. 

Playing games always works too, especially any that are visual such as Pictionary and can easily be done via a screen.  You will just need to make sure everyone playing has their own copy of it. 

Lot’s of people have discovered they can watch films or binge watch their favourite programme together, whilst being on Facetime or Zoom.  It’s just a case of hitting the “play” button at the same time.

If seeing yourself on a screen isn’t your thing, then going down the traditional route of actually speaking on a phone is perfect.  I can vouch for how easy it is to spend “forever” on the phone to friends without realising the time.

Fresh Air

For those of us that are in tier 3 or lower, we can still meet people in public spaces, take advantage of the time off and get some fresh air in a socially distanced walk with friends or family.  Even if you are in tier 4 getting out for a walk with the rest of your household will break the day up and give you something to do, and you can still meet one other person from another household outside for a walk.

Wider Community

Although most of the hospitality industry is limited to take away, lets continue to support them whenever possible along with local shops etc.  These small businesses are vital to communities and now more than ever they need our love and support, especially if we don’t want to lose our local “High Streets”.

Finally!

All that remains is for me to say a HUGE THANK YOU  to everyone who has supported Eric Clarke over the past 12 months and beyond that.

Wishing everyone a Safe and Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Let's hope that 2021 brings us all better news and everything we wish for and so much more.

Till next time…