Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 299 – Family

29 Nov 2020 48 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays Tags: , , , , , , ,

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“To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.”

Barbara Bush

Thank you for that, Spidey.

Family is on my mind, a lot, right now.

If you’ve been reading for long enough, you know how close I am to my family.

We may live at a distance from one another, but we make sure we get together regularly.

Well, we did. Before all this pandemic stuff started.

Since December, I’ve seen my parents once, in August. They live three hours away, and are classed as vulnerable, due to their age.

I can’t risk that, but I hate not being able to get a Pops hug, or a Mum cuddle.

Since March, I’ve ‘seen’ my in-laws, spoken at a distance, on the driveway, and when we were briefly allowed, been into their home for short stints. I can count those one two hands. We usually go there daily. Not anymore.

The kids can go there (when not in self-isloation) as they are part of our childcare bubble, but just the kids. So I drop off at the door, and pick up from the door…

My brother is so far away, and he is used to my parents being able to go over to Helsinki a couple of times a year. Video calls are the norm. But now, it’s been over a year since he physically saw any of his family, due to the travel restrictions.

And now, we are creeping closer to Christmas. Lockdown 2.0 is coming to an end, on Wednesday 2nd December, but for our family, here in Kent, we are still under strict restrictions, being in Tier 3, as cases are still rising, despite the measures the Government set, to try and halt the spread, before the festive season.

I say strict measures, but this is what we can and can’t do. (Tier 3)

  • No mixing indoors, or outdoors with anyone who is not in your support bubble. (But, you can still go shopping with thousands of others as the shops will be open.)
  • If you are gathering with your support bubble, the Rule of Six applies. No more than six individuals allowed.
  • Schools still open, with no additional measaures introduced to aid the prevention of the virus.
  • No pubs or restaurants open, unless it is for takeaway or delivery.
  • Gyms etc. can open, but no indoor exercise classes.
  • No indoor entertainment venues can open.
  • No spectators at sports matches.
  • Avoid travelling to other parts of the country.

Amongst others…

And with school, we are in until 18th December, without a 14 day window to self isolate, before the festive season, when we have been told that, hopefully, up to three households can mix for a total of five days, to be together at Christmas. So, if a child or adult was to test positive in one of the classes, it could ruin any chance of being with family, anyway.

We are really conscious of the fact that both our kids are in Secondary school, where the virus was rife, hence the whole school closing and operating online, for an isolation period, and I work in a Primary school, where we are more likely to have young, asymptomatic pupils, so the risk is mainly to the adults.

And in the Early Years, where I work, we have been told that PPE and social distancing with the kids, is not only detrimental to their wellbeing, but also nigh on impossible.

It’s true.

How do you get a 4-year-old to understand that the adult in charge of them, shouldn’t be really comforting them, when they fall, physically? It’s what they need. How do you deal with the coughs and sneezes, runny noses, and toilet accidents, inevitable at this age, in a Covid-secure way, each and every minute?

I douse myself in sanitiser, I have my anti bac spray, I wash my hands regularly. I wear a face covering or face shield when dealing with parents and other adults, but there are so many places, I can’t protect myself as well as I should be able.

Because I wouldn’t be able to do my job.

And Home Learning for the little ones. Really? Have you actually tried? It’s tough to engage 30 kids when they are in front of you, for a few minutes. At home, on screen, when half may not even log in, is even more detrimental to their early education.

So, we, as a family, need to make tough decisions now.

Do we, if allowed, spend most of the five days we are allowed, mixing with the in-laws? Or do we just pop in for Christmas Day? I’ve already spoken with my parents and we know I can’t go to see them this time. It’s the same for my sister in law and her family. When her other two sisters come home, they already reach the three households, so she wouldn’t, theoretically be able to go over, anyway.

I know my in-laws will just want us to be there, with them the whole five days. But we aren’t sure it’s the safest thing to do. We’ve sacrificed so much, so far…

And how many people will bend the rules, just a little, over those magical five days, because, obviously, the Government know something we don’t, about the virus taking a break over Christmas, leading to a possible third Lockdown after the festive break?

I don’t know about others, but my family means much more than that.

I am prepared to sacrifice seeing any of our loved ones, this year, to ensure, as much as is in our hands, that any future celebrations can happen in a bigger, and better way.

A quiet Christmas, doesn’t have to be less jolly, does it?

There are always video calls, Zoom catch ups, and the hope that soon enough, when vaccinations are approved and implemented, that normality can settle, one more.

So… tell me, what do you think about the whole lockdown/Christmas get together issues?

Have a peaceful Sunday Peeps.  And enjoy your week!  

48 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Trackback: Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 299 – Family – Kreativ Solo

  2. thereluctantpoet
    Dec 02, 2020 @ 14:24:31

    Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.

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  3. willowdot21
    Dec 02, 2020 @ 09:27:27

    I have been ill again and in hospital where I spent most of my time wearing a mask . I was appalled by how lapse this second lockdown was. Most people here seemed to be making up their own rules! It felt like hubby and I were the only ones adhering to the rules.
    I was hoping that the schools might shut earlier so we could of seen our grandchildren….that’s not likely now… One son lives in a tier two area same as us…no mixing inside and no long distance travel, the third son is now back working at the airport dealing with people from all over the world…. Yes a quiet Christmas. But like you Ritu I love my family and we must do what’s safe.💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. syl65
    Dec 01, 2020 @ 08:41:46

    Treasure our family while we are here to do so. There are so many avenues to stay in touch until those healthy, healing hugs are allowed again 🤗💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Rebecca Moon Ruark
    Nov 30, 2020 @ 22:05:40

    It is crazy that you (and us, too) can head out to the mall and shop but can’t get together with more than a few people at a time. Governmental priorities right there. We generally have a small Christmas, just us, but usually my sister visits a couple weeks before. But she’s on the other coast, so that’s not happening this year. I’m trying to focus on the positives–special time with my guys, fewer distractions, and maybe even more “me” time to work on my novel ms. It is frustrating though, I know, when there are so many who are flaunting or even totally disregarding the rules.

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Ritu
      Dec 01, 2020 @ 06:37:46

      I think that is so.important, Rebecca, to focus on the positives.
      Because there are some, but when you look at the top level, most obvious scene, it looks nothing like positive.
      I love my time at home, though. Wish I had more, but I’m going into school!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  6. Jennie
    Nov 30, 2020 @ 13:47:55

    Hear, hear Ritu!!! I can’t believe that three family groups can possibly mix for five days. That’s a loaded gun. And the trickle down effect is prolonging just what you (and I) are dealing with every day. We were within days of deciding whether or not to visit our son and his family for Thanksgiving, our tradition for the past 12+ years. We sadly opted to be safe and stay at home. Late last night our son called to tell us he most likely has Covid (like a bad case of the flu). So, had we gone, I would be isolating for 14 days and not able to teach. Here’s to safety first!

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. OIKOS™-Editorial
    Nov 29, 2020 @ 23:14:05

    Gosh, seems the whole UK will be in a cage, and you all are like birds. 😉 Sorry, but i think we will get this too, after Christmas. ;-( What stress for the kids too. In view on your government you are not alone, Sis! In 2012 ours got a study about pandemic cases in the future, and they had thrown it into the bin. However hope will never die, in the country of James Bond too. Keep calm, stay well, with a smile. Michael

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. SC Skillman
    Nov 29, 2020 @ 15:34:04

    You are in a special position, Ritu, with your schools connection and I think you are wise to hold off for this one Christmas. When the vaccine is rolled out – and the fabled herd immunity kicks in too – we will be through this, and you can make up for it after the pandemic, with lots of family visits and hugs. My daughter is in Australia, and we connect via Whatsapp video calls. I long to be there, but who knows perhaps next year that will be possible once again.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Ritu
      Nov 29, 2020 @ 15:35:29

      Thanks, Sheila. It’s hard. We all want to be with our loved ones, but to be honest, I want them safe, first!
      Here’s hoping next year will be a much more positive time 🥰

      Like

      Reply

  9. April Munday
    Nov 29, 2020 @ 13:29:01

    We won’t be doing anything different at Christmas than we’ve been doing for the last 8 months: staying at home alone. The end is in sight and it makes no sense to risk our lives, and those of others, now.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Doug Thomas
    Nov 29, 2020 @ 12:19:50

    When all else fails, one needs to make the decision to wear the mask because it is proven to reduce the possibility of infection, to wash the hands frequently in sanitizer because it reduces the chance of getting or passing infection, and of maintaining a safe distance from others so… yeah, it is tedious, boring, unnatural for us, creatures that welcome the touch of others. But, if we all play along, most of us will survive and the pandemic will be brought into check. Unfortunately, too many think doing these simple things impinges on their “freedom”, and the death rates climb.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Nov 29, 2020 @ 13:01:26

      This is precisely why we aren’t in a better situation, Doug!
      Some of us are at the coal face daily, trying to so the right thing, and others just don’t even try!

      Like

      Reply

      • Doug Thomas
        Nov 29, 2020 @ 14:03:25

        Their “freedom” means I, as someone with age, weight, and two major medical conditions, am pretty much confined to home, grocery store, and medical appointments, that is, in a form of house arrest so they can prance around without masks! Ironic. Fortunately for me, I tend to be a stay-at-home person anyway, though I do miss social outings.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Ritu
        Nov 29, 2020 @ 14:53:27

        I know, Doug. This is where people are selfish…

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Steve Tanham
    Nov 29, 2020 @ 10:01:31

    It’s a nightmare, Ritu. So emotional, too. And we have a government too easy to airbrush it’s own mistakes – not to mention arrogance – out of existence. People’s fortitude will see us through, as ever, but it’s not going to be quick. At least the spirit of Christmas will be around. And Zoom has proved to be a real boon!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  12. Erika
    Nov 29, 2020 @ 09:35:04

    Had we ever thought that one day NOT hugging may become an even greater sign of love? It is not easy but on the other hand, it provokes us to become creative to find more ways to show our love. Starting with the old-fashioned way of writing a letter. Thanks to modern technology we can even meet visually (compared to only 20 – 25 years back). Thank God, we know that this will change again but I hope that we don’t forget the many abilities we developed to show love💖

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  13. jenanita01
    Nov 29, 2020 @ 09:33:08

    The worst part of lockdown for our family is missing seeing the younger members. They change so quickly as they grow…

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  14. TanGental
    Nov 29, 2020 @ 08:38:44

    I’m rather of the mind that rules with so many inconsistencies need a dash of commonsense when applied to my family. That may lead to a rule being interpreted. So be it. Best with your plans. Hope you get a few hours with the fam at least.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  15. Athira
    Nov 29, 2020 @ 06:51:41

    Family is the foundation..I liked the starting quote

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  16. Sue Vincent
    Nov 29, 2020 @ 06:49:43

    I just wish that the rules being implemented, as you have highlighted here, made more sense and were more consistent…

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

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