'A TIER 4 CHRISTMAS?'
On the evening of the 19th of December, Boris Johnson announced that due to rising cases and level of infections there will be further restrictions in place for London and South East areas from Midnight, resulting in the original plan of a little more relaxation and mixing households over the Christmas period to be cancelled. You must remain with only the people in your household when indoors, or those in your existing bubble. Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household. Three households are able to mix on Christmas Day alone, rather than the original plan of 5 days (23rd to the 27th.) Further details are on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home.
Of course, this is extremely frustrating and upsetting for us all. Christmas will not be the same this year, and unfortunately most of us won't be able to spend it with family, surrounded by all those we love. What's particularly frustrating is that we have faced many restrictions up to this point, all of which have been placed with the promise of 'saving Christmas' if we follow them, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow which has now been taken away. It's exhausting to say the least.
But for our own sanity and health, we have to remind ourselves that what's happened with the new strain of the virus and the rapid spread of infection, is partly out of our control. Of course, we can reduce it's effect by following guidelines, but its action is something you are not to blame for as an individual. We are in this situation, and although it's a heart breaking, chaotic, upsetting one right now, it's where we are, so we have to take the steps from here.
You are not alone. Despite feeling this way, or physically being alone, everyone is facing this storm together and trying to cope with this rollercoaster of hope and deflation. Though we are unable to physically come together, we are able to be there for each other virtually, mentally, in spirit and with technology throughout this time. The hugs, kisses and reunions that are to come in the future will be so very special.
Reducing Anxiety and Stress. With infection spreading and cases rising it's understandable that many of us are experiencing these emotions as a result, even more so now that we are unable to see family over Christmas. Allow yourself to experience them, let these feelings in rather than push them away, in doing so they will eventually shift as new emotions arise. Just as the clouds move in the sky or new thoughts pop into our head. Focus on doing what makes you feel good, what relaxes and calms you, bringing your attention to the present rather than running away with thoughts of what if or the future. Following the guidelines is the best you can do, staying safe in ways that you can. This doesn't need to become overwhelming or all consuming. Time for staying updated and time to come away and take your mind elsewhere, occupied with what you love doing whilst at home. What makes you feel good.
Perspective. Our thoughts and mind-set are important when so much is happening around us. It's inevitable that we are going to feel those more uncomfortable and negative emotions, frustration, anger, sadness, pain, anxiety and stress, just to name a few, it's about allowing ourselves to feel these emotions and focusing on our perspective on the situation. Aiming to focus on the joy and good that we are experiencing rather than what we're missing. We are in control of our thoughts which in turn effects how we feel. Although this Christmas will not be the same, by following the guidelines we are saving lives and holding out for this horrid time to pass.
Staying connected. Although we are unable to connect physically or in person at the moment, it's important to stay communicating in ways that we can. Talking is a release in itself, and its a way of still seeing those we love over Christmas. A phone call, Facetime or Zoom can bring us together, keep us talking, supporting and reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Cherish the time you have with those in your household if you are not alone, although you may not be with all of your family, if you are with another, someone that you love, thank them and support each other during this time.
Self Care. This is simply about looking after yourself. Doing what you can to make yourself feel good during this time, although this may not be the Christmas that you hoped and planned for, take the time to look after yourself, allow yourself to feel all the emotions and give yourself a hug.
Acknowledge the good. It's an understatement to say that this year has brought a lot of difficultly. But amongst the bad there is always some good. Take a bit of time to consider and congratulate yourself on the good over this year, however small. Whether it be the baking and cooking you tried, the book you read, the work you've achieved or the steps you took to try something new. Allow yourself to be proud of yourself. Even getting to the present moment is an achievement. Making it through the year is an achievement in itself.
Removing the guilt. Many of us may be feeling guilty for not seeing those that we love over Christmas, it's important to remind yourself that this is out of your control, this has been placed upon us and you would be seeing them if you could. Share with family and friends that though you may feel extremely upset and frustrated about the situation, you are holding on to when you can see them again, when it's safe and we are able to do so.
The best out of the bad. With a change of perspective comes making the best of a bad situation. Although this may not be a Christmas of family, coming together and celebration to the extent it usually is, we can choose to spend the time how we wish, get into the Christmas spirit in other ways and allowing ourselves to feel good in ways that we can despite being at home. Make your home cosy and comforting, watch your favourite Christmas film, cook some of your favourite food and play some of your favourite Christmas music.
Something to look forward to. Although Christmas feels as if it's cancelled and cannot go ahead this December, the exchanging of gifts, sharing time with those we love, and cooking and eating together, can all still be something to look forward to and will happen again. Although we cannot set a specific date, plans can be delayed rather than completely cancelled. It's exhausting continuing through this struggle, but we will get to the other side.
I'm sending you all love, light, positivity, hugs and support. Although this Christmas isn't going to be the same, I hope you are able to relax somewhat and have a lovely day. A different Christmas rather than no Christmas. Different, rather than destroyed. This will pass eventually, and the joy and elation we will experience when that time comes will be like no other. Sending endless love and strength to you all this Christmas x
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