Social distancing in Christmas bubbles

One of my biggest concerns, is how the government plan to regain control once Christmas is over?
Of course some families will pass COVID amongst each other, but the majority won’t. Do we run the risk of those who mixed ‘safely’ for five days being less likely to follow household mixing rules once they are brought back in?
In my area, it was very obvious the second lockdown was observed far less stringently than the first (although we did still see falling numbers). If the government bring in a third lockdown in January (which feels inevitable), it stands to reason that compliance will reduce again. Are people really going to go back to not seeing each other, when they have done so, without consequence, in December.

I mean extended mixing of three households just for the five days of Christmas holiday.

Bubbles are just for a single household mixing with another family. I think the confusion has arisen because we have been advised by the government that three households are permitted to mix. This doesn’t mean that mixing is permitted with several different families. Only the three identified, therefore “bubble” interpretation.

Daisymae The same Chris Whitty who said ‘ would I want someone to see their family? Of course, that’s what Christmas is about, just don’t hug elderly relatives’
Sound bites are confusing for all.

I don’t get these multiple bubbles people are talking about eg “they are in a bubble with US”. I, like Monica, thought bubbles were for a single person to bubble with another household

I agree Esspee even although it is undoubtedly difficult for some.

I have noticed friends who will be mixing with their families, weirdly seem to think they are safe in their own large family “bubbles” but “strangers” are the ones likely to be infectious.?

The number of times I have heard "we will only be there an hour", " we will keep the windows open", "we won't hug and kiss".
Even if you get the vaccination it is two injections three weeks apart and then a time lapse before antibodies kick in, you are not going to be immune at Christmas.
Most of the people I know who caught the virus had not been out of the house so someone had brought it to their door.
I think a celebration in the summer is a great idea, eating outdoors in the fresh air.

Whitty has just said just because we can do something it doesn't mean that we should. I think that the message is quite clear.

To those who have “done a risk assessment” are “keeping the windows open” and “will only be staying an hour” even if you’ll be “taking your own serving spoon”. You are putting yourself and others at risk and have no grounds to complain about anyone else.
If it matters about whether you and your loved ones stay Covid free then you should not be mixing at all and you are simply being hypocritical.
It doesn’t matter what is allowed. Mixing households spreads the virus.

Will be hosting for my daughter and son in law and granddaughter My son and his two children
See them all regularly anyway as son is in a bubble with us and I look after the children for childcare
Will be taking usual hygiene precautions but apart from that carry on as normal

Has anyone seen the documentary “Hospital” from the Royal Free, and see how much heartbreak and devastation this pandemic has caused/causing, not only to those on ICU struggling with Covid but for those in need of lifesaving surgery, which has been postponed, resulting in spread of their cancers?

Surgeons have been practically in tears fighting for operating theatres, and many staff has been either off sick or isolating or totally worn out, physically and emotionally.

I can’t contemplate even one day of celebration over Christmas with my family, however much I would like to see them, knowing the attendant risks, notwithstanding distancing, and blasting cold air circulating through the house.

It will only not work if people translate the guidance to suit themselves. Sadly we are surrounded by selfish idiotic people who have no concern for their own or anybody else’s safety.

We won't be getting together either, better to wait till after vaccine. Even the family agrees xx

Common sense at last xx

We have pruned numbers way back this year. Normally have GC over from Asia but obviously that was a non starter. Then my sister, her AC and their families/ step children join us and our two other AC and AGC for Christmas lunch, so a real houseful. Sadly this year will be very quiet, but has to be. But we will zoom, do quizzes and chat and just make the best of it until we are able to get together again.

Completely agree, it's not worth the risk and there will be a huge spike in January. Have just had a bit of a meltdown and decided we can't have anyone in the house over Christmas as my husband has liver disease. Feeling much better now I know I won't have to be so anxious on the day!

Surely the word ,bubble' applies only to the description of a household bubbling with someone living slone.

The family visits at Christmas are not as I unerstand it 'bubbles' where people can get as close and personal as they like but simply consent to meeting up with 2 other households indoors and the usual face hands and space rules will apply to those meetings.

My son and his partner have said they will isolate for 14 days before Christmas, as will we, except for shopping, at 7am and clinic visit for husband. DS and DiL work from home. We don't go out except for above, so Christmas Eve together we reckon will be okay. We won't be seeing DD and her family at all.

I think each one of us has to make our own decision about what we feel comfortable, safe and happy doing and tell our families. Only we know how much of a risk those attending present to us, or us to them.
I am really looking forward to seeing my grandchildren open their presents and I CAN resist the temptation to hug and kiss them; they can be gently told 'Sorry, Nanna's not allowed to,' without too much heartache! (We play blowing and catching kisses- 'Oops, missed that one' etc)

We live in a tier 3 area, but I'm shocked and amazed at the stupidity of what I am reading on Facebook regarding the parties some people are planning with their friends online. One family have a daughter who is home from Uni, and she has invited several younger people to join in with an 'open house' party within her neighbourhood, encouraging a mix of families, age groups, and just about 'uncle Tom Cobley and all' to bring a bottle and join in, with blatant disregard to the aftermath and consequences her actions may result in.
She's now trying to book a Disco to be set up in a neighbours Double Garage!

I’m so upset my daughter had her first baby a few weeks ago , she wants me to take the baby just for a night so they can have a rest ... trouble is I know the other side of the family have been seeing her too , which includes several people . I’ve stayed in since last April , of course I want to help , I want to snuggle that little baby more than anything but can I ? Should I ? And I feel like to say no is being horrible and I don’t want to upset my daughter or make her feel like I’m being stupid. Trouble is how do I say it without feeling bad ? And just how do I say it ? I’m torn I feel so cruel . Help please ?

I'm really sorry ladies, I completely understand this is not what you want to hear, but realistically, so many people will never ever comply with any 'rules', behind closed doors.

So effectively, you are, in the bigger picture, wasting your time 'complying' on something that is completely NOT policeable, whereas thousands upon thousands of households will not.

So it's a pointless exercise to deny yourself being with your loved ones at Christmas and hugging your little Grandchildren.
And to be really honest, I think it is absolutely unreasonable and extremely rude to expect your demands about windows being open, in someone else's house, to be accepted. If you feel that scared, then you should stay at home, and let others enjoy their time together. You are being paranoid, absolutely.

I believe the Government have relaxed restrictions because they know a large proportion of people would have ignored the rules anyway, and at least this means that the police won't be having to race round to break up gatherings reported to them. As we've seen over the months with posts here, there are so many who try and justify breaking the rules with a "Yes, I know, but it doesn't apply to ME - I'm a special case" attitude. Maybe it's time that people thought about the true origin of Christmas, celebration of the birth of Jesus, not the modern excuse for a big bingefest.
I will be staying at home, alone, counting my blessings that I'm safe and healthy, and speaking to family by phone or on the computer, grateful that we are all still here in spite of so many who flout the rules and behave irresponsibly.

I live alone in a tier 3 area surrounded by tier 2 where most of my friends live. I've just turned down an invitation for a walk in the park with a friend as we are in different areas, although I was very tempted as it would almost certainly be safe. Meanwhile DD lives alone 400 miles away in a Scottish level 4 area - also very high risk. She has left her bubble so that she can bubble with me for Christmas. She is working from home until then and hardly seeing any people in person for this reason. I shall drive up there with minimal stops - just naps, loos and coffee - so we can be safe together without having to distance in her flat.

Unfortunately not everyone is being so careful and there is certain to be a huge spike after Christmas which need not happen. We all have to sacrifice for the good of everyone this year. I considered staying home alone but feel DD needs my company more than I need hers so I'm going.

We have been invited to get together with the family she intends to bubble with in the new year after having a gap when I go home. We will certainly be very careful if we go to their house. If the weather is good we'll probably get together outdoors. I do hope most people will be as careful but sadly too many people seem to think covid19 won't happen to them.

Crazy. We will be in a total mire come mid-January - covid + no deal Brexit. Only sorry I'm too old to emigrate to a sensible country with a sane government.