Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 302 – Christmas 2020

20 Dec 2020 47 Comments

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

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Christmas isn’t a parade or a concert, but a piece of home you keep in your heart, wherever you go.”

Donnaa Vanliere

Thank you. Spidey, for finding some words to soothe, at a very tough time.

Earlier, I was wallowing, because it was confirmed that a colleague of mine, that I had contact with, has tested positive. this meant that I was to be in self-isolation for ten days, taking me up to 27th December.

Yup, missing out on Christmas, totally.

But the rest of the family would be okay. They could, at least, go and see the in-laws, and there might have been some semblance of normality.

We were just getting ourselves prepared.

I’d already bought a frozen turkey crown, pigs in blankets, and all the veggies, and crackers, etc, just in case of us being at home, rather than with the extended family. Presents were ready for a doorstep exchange, just in case, too.

And the hope was, that on the 27th December, the last day of the 5 day Christmas Grace that the Government had deemed a possibility for families across England, we could all be together for a short while, at least. (Providing I don’t feel unwell, or end up testing positive myself in the next few days.)

But at 4pm(ish) on Saturday, BoZo and his clueless minions took the decision (which they should have taken ages ago, when the virus numbers started to rise considerably) to cancel the original Christmas plans of three households being able to mix between 23rd and 27th December, and they have also introduced a new Tier 4, (under which we are, now, too, being in Kent).

So from tomorrow, we are effectively in lockdown, again, until at least 30th December. No non-essential shops to be open, no indoor gyms, hairdressers, nail salons, etc. No going into other households, unless you are in a support bubble. Only meeting maximum of one person from another household, outside.

It’s gutting for those who really had their hearts set on seeing their families for the festive period.

I, for one, would usually be seeing my parents for a couple of days. I’ve not seen them since August. But we had already decided that their safety was more important, and that video calls would be the plan for the day.

But I think what is important to remember, is the essence of the quote above.

Christmas is in our hearts. And even if it has to be a quiet one this year, the hope is that all the cancelled joy we have experienced this year, will mean we are safer, healthier and happier, for the next one.

So… tell me, how are you feeling, if the new Christmas plans have affected you?

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Have a peaceful Sunday Peeps.   

47 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Rebecca Moon Ruark
    Dec 21, 2020 @ 22:37:10

    Ugh, I’m sorry, Ritu! I also am missing family. My dad and sister usually visit before Christmas, but it was a no-go this year. So, we’ll have our small celebration with just my mother-in-law. I am cantoring (singing) at Christmas Eve Mass (just me, since our choirs aren’t allowed to perform–only one singer at a time!), so that gives me something special to look forward to. I hope you’re able to get some relaxation in over break–fewer people to cook for anyway?

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    • Ritu
      Dec 22, 2020 @ 10:56:45

      To be honest, we usually go to my in laws and sis in law and me cook together, for the whole family. This time, it’s simple, 4 person dinner, stick in oven, and hope for the best!
      It sucks, really. It truly does. But just getting on with everything! You have a wonderful time cantoring. I’m glad you can still do something you live. Merry weird Christmas 🎄😘

      Liked by 1 person

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  2. thereluctantpoet
    Dec 21, 2020 @ 18:50:57

    Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. willowdot21
    Dec 21, 2020 @ 00:47:14

    We are in in tier 4 like you, we are seeing an no one and going no where. Our youngest and his family are in the next county, our middle lad has covid and we can’t see him but we can drop him off supplies, our eldest is an hour and a half away and in level 2 so no Christmas this year and of course it’s the first year without Mother in law.
    Be brave Sis sending you love 💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. Colleen M. Chesebro
    Dec 21, 2020 @ 00:39:02

    OK, Sis… so you can get a test right? This is all so scary. I’m so sorry you have to do all of this. Hang in there and know that I think of all my British friends stuck inside. Take care and keep us posted. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Ritu
      Dec 21, 2020 @ 10:40:29

      It is really scary, Sis. Thankfully we have a test centre just around the corner, so if I need, I can make an appointment. We are urged not to rush out and get tested willy-nilly, but to isolate for 10 days, if we have been in direct contact with anyone who tested positive, and if we begin to show symptoms, then to test. I’m on day 4 of isolation, so far, and not feeling any symptoms. Fingers crossed it stays that way. Since the news, we’ve had a total of 4 staff members test positive, now, so scared is not even covering how I feel. But I am trying not to think negatively, you know me!
      It’ll be a Christmas to remember, indeed! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

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  5. OIKOS™-Editorial
    Dec 20, 2020 @ 23:11:13

    So true, Sis! Christmas, this year has to be in our heart. Have you heard: Europe has quarantined the whole aisles. 😉 You can escape from there.Otherwise i a sure no one wants to do, not in direction of other European countries. Lol
    Wish you all the best for the test.I hope it will be negative.As you have bought all needful things for the celebrations, dont worry too much. Yesterday as i had heard about the variant of the virus in the UK, with the addition its a dominant one, my thoughts are going to imagine some with a black mask. Lol Be well, stay save, but enjoy with yours the festive week. Michael

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Ritu
      Dec 20, 2020 @ 23:27:17

      Thanks Bro. It’s a crazy time right now. I’m kind of glad I can’t go out!!!
      But we can only do what we can. I’m.feeling fine so far, so no test needed, yet. Fingers crossed it stays that way, !! 🤞🏼🤞🏼

      Liked by 1 person

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      • OIKOS™-Editorial
        Dec 20, 2020 @ 23:52:28

        Sorry for the missunderstanding. Needing no test is always better. Fingers crossed🤞🏼🤞, and i hope you and yours will have a funny celebration. Dont forget, the best entity is the family!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Ritu
        Dec 21, 2020 @ 10:35:51

        I am looking forward to our first Christmas alone, in a funny way, Bro. We’ve never been just the four of us (or 7, counting Sonu Singh and Heer and Ranjha!)

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  6. John W. Howell
    Dec 20, 2020 @ 19:19:41

    Sorry to hear your plans were disrupted, Ritu. All of us should remember the spirit of the holiday and not the physical. Hopefully next year this will all be an unpleasant memory.

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. syl65
    Dec 20, 2020 @ 18:02:38

    I know it’s tough with the fluctuating numbers and fluctuating decision making. All we can do is make Christmas as joyful and loving as we possibly can. Hopefully next year will be a totally different story for us all. Take care and I hope you are only in self isolation and no positive test, Sister 🙏🏽💜

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. johnrieber
    Dec 20, 2020 @ 17:56:40

    So sorry to hear Ritu, but you are doing the safest thing for yourself and your family…I live in Los Angeles, the epicenter to the worst outbreak in the US right now…we are staying put and staying separate from friends and family….lots of festive Zoom calls with holiday cocktails, and a resolve to get leadership in place that will make our recommendations very from this pandemic as intelligently planned and executed as possible!

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. elementhealing
    Dec 20, 2020 @ 15:32:51

    I am so sorry your holidays had a giant wrench thrown into it. We’re going to have a quiet day here at home. The other people I’d like to share the day with live too far away. I am praying that you test clear Ritu and your family are all safe and healthy. All we can do is look forward to being able to see and hug those we love and miss.

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. Jennie
    Dec 20, 2020 @ 14:28:32

    It would have been better had Boris not made the original announcement. It must feel like getting a present and then having it taken away. I hope you stay well, Ritu. My thoughts and prayers are with you, my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. Erika
    Dec 20, 2020 @ 09:41:29

    Yes, sis, it is a difficult time for everyone, and this during a special season. Our love and reason are tested and what we need to develop now, is to put our own needs back for the sake of everyone else – no self-pity, no recklessness. We are sitting in this boat together which again unites us and brings us closer than maybe ever before. I think love has gotten a deeper meaning, and Christmas may be understood in its core meaning too, eventually. Next year will be different, so we only need to hang in now.

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Steve Tanham
    Dec 20, 2020 @ 09:30:13

    Same here, Ritu. We were all set to host a family Christmas for a couple of days. My mother, who, as you know has increasing dementia; my brother and his wife, my wife’s sister. We could have planned it differently, doing separate pre-Christmas trips, but BoZo assured us it would stay in place, didn’t he…
    So now we pick the pieces and get on with us, yet again.
    Anyway… In your isolation… have chocolate, winters soups, deeply tasty food, good books, the odd old film, fresh air walks and good cheer. Let that fullness of ‘Christmas in heart’ fill the void.
    Steve 😎

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