2020 has been one of the most challenging years you may have ever known! But your Christmas celebrations don't have to fall victim to lockdown!
It's looking more and more likely that there will still be some restrictions across the country come Christmas time, however, now more than ever, we owe it to ourselves and our families to make sure that we still enjoy the festivities this December!
So what can we do?
We'll certainly have to think outside the box this year, and here we have listed some of the best ideas on how you can safely celebrate Christmas with your loved ones.
1. Follow the GUIDELINES
You'd be forgiven if like many you've struggled to keep up with national ever-changing guidelines! Even so, it's still vitally important that we keep in line with the current laws and restrictions so that we don't risk the health and safety of our loved ones (and even a hefty fine!).
One of the most important things to consider is the number of people you can gather around the Christmas tree. The current laws are allowing the mix of three households to form a Christmas bubble. These will be fixed for the period they are permitted and you are also not allowed to change your Christmas bubble once it is formed.
2. SUPPORT local
Remember it's the small businesses that have been hit hard over lockdown. By buying your gifts, food and drink, decorations and party supplies from our local independent shops, you are making a huge difference helping to ensure your high street shops can remain open post-pandemic.
We have some brilliant boutiques and homemade craft companies right on our doorsteps, including at the popular Sandwich Makers Market, and some have of the local business have made provisions for delivery of their goods to the local community.
There have even been virtual markets online this year including the Virtual Sandbach Christmas Market boasting over a hundred local makers with brilliant gift ideas!
There are great present ideas in Sandbach and the surrounding areas this Christmas such as children's gifts from Sparkle and Grace, The Little Vegan, Ivy and Noah, SLO Handmade Gifts, to name a few. Take a look on your local town pages and groups to see the many amazing things on offer.
For your Christmas dinner, why not take a look at the beautifully fresh options available in our town from places like Gibsons' Greengrocer's and Deli, Godfrey C. Williams and Sons, Brooks of Sandbach - Traditional Butchers, The Cheese Shop, and others!
3. SANTA's slaying it!
Going to see the jolly red man may be a little less magical this year with partition screens and the gift of hand sanitiser! So if you can't go to see Santa, then he can come to you!
The beauty of the internet has meant that more than ever we have access to just about anything this year. As many companies have included options for you to get their products and services at home. This include Chris Cringle himself! For a small fee you can get a video call from Santa Claus from the comfort of your own home by visiting sites such as Jingle Ring or Santa's calling you.
You could also have a look out for Santa on his travels around the town! The Sandbach Round Table annual Santa float will be starting on 10th December bringing joy and happiness to the young residents of Sandbach. Find his route on their Facebook page.
4. DECK the halls
If like me, you many suffer from CODS (Christmas Ornament Displacement Syndrome) during the festive season, this year may a good time to loosen the reins a little and let the children deck the halls with holiday spirit - namely those paper snowflakes that get hundreds of paper shapes on the floor and glitter explosions!
Why not get a custom made or personalised festive keep sake for the year we all stayed home? There are some companies that are making keepsakes for
5. Party table
Once winter comes around, it's time to get into Christmas party mode. For something extra special this year, you could buy a festive PARTY BOX that includes everything you need to decorate your party at home from a party stylist such as Florriemae Events. We include a range of party tableware and decorations to ensure this holiday is a magical occasion for the whole family!
6. Doorstep PHOTO SHOOT
Many photographers have adapted their offering to include doorstep photo shoots! What better gift idea for your loved ones who you haven't been able to see much this year than a festive picture of your family together dressed in your funniest Christmas jumpers? A great keepsake for an otherwise hard year.
7. BAKE them happy
There are many traditional Christmas bakes that can feed the family, are fun to bake and fill the house with gorgeous festive smells! Mince pies, iced cakes, full of spices and fruits (and booze!) that can make your holiday all the more merrier.
Gingerbread men and gingerbread houses have gained popularity. Not only are they a fun activity for the kids but they can also be made into seasonal decorations or centrepieces.
8. Virtual CHRISTMAS
Since the lockdown was implemented and our social lives moved online, we've all become experts in the art of virtual calling!
Invite your family for a virtual party on Zoom or Houseparty. Dress in your best party clothes (and don't forget your Santa hat!). Everyone can sing festive songs (albeit out of sync) and watch the little ones open presents!
Hopefully these ideas have inspired your imagination to make a lockdown Christmas both special and memorable! We hope you have a fantastic party!
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