Are We Going To Spend Christmas Under Lockdown?
The L-word has become a taboo all across the UK. As some parts of the UK have already gone back into lockdown (we’re looking at you, England), Scotland is still considering moving into level 4 of lockdown, which would be the highest tier of curbs. Is level 4 the same thing as national lockdown? The short answer is: yes, pretty much.
The long answer is that, as much as we fear the L-word, we fear the consequences of not following it even more. As a result, we can expect a few bumpy weeks ahead of Christmas.
So, for everyone, the big question that remains is how the current situation will affect Christmas. Unfortunately, there is no answer to the question as of now. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning ahead. Ultimately, nobody wants to spend Christmas away from their loved ones. But, rather than worrying about it, we could dedicate our time and energy into the creation of a peaceful and soothing nest for us and the people we love.
Avoid saturated broadband connections
According to a survey from Quadient, one-third of the UK population experienced poor Internet connection during the first lockdown. Many of us found their connection slow during the period. Ultimately, streaming platforms, such as Netflix and YouTube, are only a source of joy when they work. Nobody likes the spinning wheel that appears on the screen as your video is loading. Unfortunately, when providers are not equipped to tackle high volumes, you have no other options but to wait or give up. It may not seem like much, but YouTube can offer fantastic support when you’re stuck at home:
- Free workout video
- Free cooking videos
- Free films and series videos
Rather than letting the spinning wheel take over, you can use some of the best video downloaders to prepare your watching list. Keep your favourite titles offline so you can watch whatever you want whenever you want, without struggling with a slow broadband connection.
Is it time to build your online presence?
Lockdown means that a lot of businesses have to shut their doors and put some staff on leave. While the furlough scheme will be extended until the end of March 2021, it doesn’t replace your wage to 100%. For employees stuck in limbo, your pay could fall by up to one third. Needless to say, the last thing you want to do at Christmas is to worry about money. But you could use the time at home to start a side hustle venture. Marketing yourself in lockdown begins with a blog. Did you know that creating a blog presence can help you get some gigs on the side? It could be enough to replace your partial pay loss. It could also be a wakeup call that makes you realise you enjoy being your own boss. Or it could be a feel-good experience that lets you share your expertise. Whatever it is, blogging during lockdown can be a positive experience.
We can’t help it; we touch our faces
You are already aware of maskne, the unpleasant outbreak that is caused by wearing a mask. However, when you’re spending more time at home – and therefore, less time wearing a mask – you could still experience skin issues. Oily skin is one of those things that crush your self-confidence. What does it happen more when you’re at home? Because you are touching your face more frequently. So, it can be a good idea to pack a lovely oil control set either for yourself or a friend. Skincare sets are guaranteed to be a hit, both ahead and during Christmas. Feeling good in your skin is the best thing you can do for yourself, right?
What does luxury loungewear look like in winter?
Everybody seeks comfort at home. Loungewear fashion has exploded during lockdown 1.0. You can”’t go wrong with cosy outfits that make you feel put together and unrestricted at the same time. Whether you’re looking for a casual piece to keep you warm during the festive holiday or for an elevated pair of joggers, knitted loungewear can tick all the boxes. Besides, we all know that wearing something that makes you feel comfortable is a mood-booster.
Planning thoughtful presents now
This year, we need to be smart about Christmas shopping. There will be no last-minute rush to the shops. In other words, you need to look online for the best options to spoil your friends and relatives. Amazon is likely to be your preferred retailer when it comes to planning Christmas. However, if you want your presents to stand out from the crowd, you may need to consider the following options instead:
- Beauty box subscriptions
- A small spa kit
- Hamper baskets with regional or international treats
- Specialist cake delivery
- Stationery box subscriptions (for that friend who loves bullet journals)
- Personalised items from small businesses on Etsy or Notonthehighstreet
These are only some of the few ideas you can borrow for your online Christmas shopping list. But they can make a big difference! Ultimately, finding a present that is suited to those you love, and that doesn’t feel like it was a last-minute random purchase on Amazon can put a smile on everybody’s face!
Tea makes everything better
There’s something about the quintessential cup of tea that is soothing and comforting. Tea doesn’t fix everything, but it certainly feels like it does. However, if you are looking for a little boost while planning Christmas at home, you may want to switch your regular English Breakfast tea for a spiced version. Spiced teas feel like a little mug of heat, especially Indian chai blends that include cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and cinnamon. They also instil a sense of emotional balance and harmony. Folk medicine has been using spices to tackle mood and soul disorders for centuries. In modern life, we all cherish the sweet scent of cinnamon in winter. There’s something festive about it! A cup of spiced tea could be just what the doctor prescribed to brighten up your mood.
In conclusion, while we don’t know what Christmas will look like, we can already build a path to happiness this winter. From thoughtful and unique gifts to targeted lockdown skincare, there are a few tips that can make the holiday relaxing and merry for you and your loved ones.
