How three women are planning on making the most of the Christmas present
Could this Christmas be the most meaningful in a generation? We have every reason to hope so…
Image: Annie Spratt via Unsplash
Thanks in no small part to the dreaded C-word, Christmas this year will be far from the usual festive furore which we're all used to. While there's a lot of uncertainty about how December will play out, we need to start preparing ourselves for it. There'll be no catching up with friends and toasting hot toddies at cosy Christmas Markets. Pantomimes with all the family are on hold. And, whether it's an occasion you usually can't wait for or would rather avoid, alas, there will be no office Christmas party to prep for. At least, not one that doesn't involve virtual meeting software.
But what about the big day itself? Statistics show that 92.3% of people in the UK usually spend Christmas at home, with their extended families. It's hard to predict what December 25th will look like, but, what might be the norm for the majority of us might well and truly be off the table. For some, this might be a blessed relief—the cost and stress associated with hosting Christmas for extended family and friends can push some to the brink. After all, the average household spends £720 on Christmas, including food, presents, and entertaining. This zealous spending generates £20 billion for the UK economy each year.
Despite the inevitable unknown that comes with a lockdown Christmas, limited celebrations are allowed—and that spending might not necessarily take a back seat. It was reported that, even in the grips of 2008's Credit Crunch, sales for the festive season still grew year-on-year; something which should give the independent businesses that rely on the surge in sales every December some hope. John Lewis & Partners bowed to customer demand and opened its Christmas shop early this year. 'We know Christmas might look a little different this year, with smaller celebrations at home and video calls to loved ones; but we also know that many are looking forward to the small joys that the festive season brings,' enlightens Dan Cooper, Partner and Head of Christmas at John Lewis & Partners. 'Our customers are planning earlier than ever to revel in the festivities and likely spread out the tasks to avoid any last-minute rushes.'
After almost a year of furlough, cancelled holidays, postponed special occasions, less quality time with friends and family, and an uncertain financial future, many of us are, naturally, opting for more low-key celebrations and fewer extravagant gifts. A recent survey conducted by eBay found that 37% of us will be spending less on presents in the run-up to Christmas this year.
Stats are all well and good, but what does a COVID Christmas look like for women, just like you? We asked three devoted Hood readers how they plan to make the most of this year's festivities—and why a different Christmas might be what we need.
Image: Annie Spratt via Unsplash
Abbey Smith, an Edinburgh-based makeup artist and events specialist (find her on Instagram @thevirgomoonchild), is usually at her busiest over the festive season and, like a lot of us, she would ordinarily spend December burning the candle at both ends. 'Every Christmas period, since I was 18, I've worked in bars, nightclubs, restaurants or in retail—all on top of being a makeup artist. This Christmas, I'm going to catch my breath a little. I'm hopeful more sleep and less partying might even do me some good.' Abbey plans to head home to Ayrshire to spend Christmas with her family, and she's optimistic that the Scottish Government will make allowances so families can spend some much-needed time together. 'It's often the only day of the year we're all at the same dinner table, as my brothers and I all live in different parts of the UK. Still, we're a close family, and Christmas is always a time to celebrate and be with one another.'
As for presents? Abbey is done with overspending. 'Given the year we've had, we'll just be grateful to be together on Christmas Day, should it be allowed. My mum will cook, I'll be in charge of the cocktail-making, and we'll each buy a Secret Santa present for one family member. 2020 has taught me that taking a breath and being grateful for the small things in life helps to keep everything in perspective.'
Nicola Moffat is a Borders-based cake artist and owner of Ruby & Pearl Cake Art. She too expects this Christmas to be somewhat different this year. 'Ordinarily, I'll spend every Christmas at home with my two kids, husband, brother-in-law and his boys—my husband is the best cook, and we always have great fun,' she reminisces. With potential restrictions in place, however, Nicola plans to make Christmas even more magical for her little ones. 'I would like to say we'll spend less on the festivities this year having fewer people to entertain, but I might spend a small fortune on decorations instead to make sure the day is extra special for the kids. I want to make it wonderful for them; this year has been incredibly hard on children, so a Christmas to remember is well and truly needed.'
Last Christmas was the first that wedding planner, Katherine Taylor (see her work at @the_weddingfairy_), spent with her partner, Lloyd, and their two cats, Monty and Pip. 'It was my first Christmas cooking without my granny's guidance (she's the top chef in our family!), but I was still keen to create a feast. We invited friends that weren't able to make it home to their families, and it ended up being a lovely day. I loved hosting, so I had hoped to do the same again this year’.
Seeing as a ban on mixing households is expected, what is the Leith couple's plan B? 'Like so many others, we're trying to be as flexible as possible, see what the guidelines are, and go from there. We've made it this far, so we'll be making the most of whatever we can! Since my mother died in 2015, my brother, grandparents and I have tried to make "new traditions"—different ways to mark the occasion and celebrate. I think we've all become quite resilient to change.'
What about presents, especially after a challenging year for those who work in the wedding industry? 'Anything I do spend will be from local and independent businesses or charities—I've already bought my Christmas cards from Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland. Every year, I remain thankful for what I have and who I have around me – that won't change this year.'
After a tremulous 2020, Christmas will be, more than ever, a time to look inward and to realise what's most important. Our local businesses need our support to stay afloat. Our healthcare system needs us to adhere to government guidelines to ensure they're able to help those in dire need of their expertise. Although we may not be able to be with them, our friends, family, and neighbours need to know we're still here. Christmas can be a lonely and difficult time for so many, so make time to check-in on them, even if you don't feel like they're vulnerable. And for those who have lost someone they love, be it to COVID or otherwise, our hearts go out to you.
Let this be a Christmas where we all appreciate our nearest and dearest, above all else.
Why not have yourself a merry little Christmas by arranging your own festive fun? Here are five suggestions on how to do so.
Image: Valentin Petkov via Unsplash
Make up for the lack of Christmas carol concerts by organising a socially-distanced singing session with your neighbours. Pop some song sheets in a card and post through all the doors on your street naming a time and date for ding-donging merrily on high!
No Christmas party? No problem. Chuck on your Christmas jumper, fire up your laptop and get remote rocking around your Christmas tree with your colleagues. All without having to worry about a taxi queue at the end of the night.
Can't get to the other side of the country to cosy up with your nieces and nephews? Put together a Christmas Eve box for the little ones you're missing—PJs, sweet treats, a bauble for the tree and a Christmas book are all great things to add.
Wondering how you'll fall out with your siblings if you can't see them this Christmas? Nominate yourself to put together a Zoom Christmas Quiz, of course!
Most of us admit that our Christmas card sending has been on the wane in recent years. We expect a huge resurge this year as we all look to connect with friends and family. We recommend buying charity cards, like Katherine, or personalising your own by buying plain cards and customising the front.