Do They Know It’s Not Christmas?

John Connor avatar

by John Connor |

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attack, START, morning, retirement, victory, Christmas and covid-19

Quarantine sure feels like Christmas.

The shops are stripped bare.

The streets are empty.

Family homes are stuffed with everyone returning home.

In our case, my wife rescued my youngest son from his cool digs near Hammersmith in West London on Monday, just in time. The prime minister announced a cease movement order that night! It’s something that should have been done weeks ago. The U.K. had just recorded more deaths from COVID-19 than Italy at the same stage of infection.

For those living on their own, a few days of Christmas isolation is now going to stretch to insanity ā€” it’s not like there’s anything special on the telly for this not-festive season!

Meanwhile, families are stuck together. Luckily in our house, everyone has to keep a safe distance from me (a highly at-risk person) and each other. See what a help I am?

Agony aunts, therapists, and marriage guidance counselors are among the few industries really going to boom!

In a house of five adults ā€” my wife, two sons, and brother-in-law with a wife in Thailand he can no longer get back to ā€” only one has any sort of a job left.Ā  You’re reading it. Ta. Your ever so ‘umble writer.

Still, there are advantages to this not-Christmas.

Great man of history finally being read during a suitably historic time! (Photo: John Connor)

I’ve actually started reading the book that I bought four months ago!

There are no parties that you really don’t want to go to but feel obligated.

There are no acres of fattening seasonable nibbles, as there’s no food left.

As yet, time is not weighing on anyone’s hands ā€” we need it all to deal with this version of ’50s Eastern Europe that we’ve just been shoved into.

Long queues at food shops are made unfeasibly longer by the added 2-meter distance rule. It takes an age to get to speak to anyone in health, the government, or business.Ā  Supermarkets are doing their best, but if you’re one of the vulnerable people, forget it. Luckily I have others able to go out and forage. Still, it would be safer for me if they didn’t have to. Keeping a 2-meter distance (about 6 feet) in many shop aisles is just impossible!

My regular supermarket for deliveries enacted a new rule this week, where vulnerable customers get dedicated delivery slots. Sounds good, except you have to phone in to prove that you are vulnerable. No way of getting through. I’d stand more chance of getting a ticket to Glastonbury (which sells out in five minutes). But that’ll be quite safe this year, as you will still be sitting in a field ā€” you and a herd of cows. Mind you,Ā make the wrong move and cows can get ornery!

In the end, though, let’s look to who benefits from all of this.

The Disney+ steaming service launched this week to millions of consumers in the U.K. with nothing to do. I happily succumbed!

However they picked this date, it only goes to prove that we can all still rely on that good, old-fashioned Disney Magic. Even if it’s not Christmas.

***

Note:Ā Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those ofĀ Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.

 

Comments

Karen Peoples avatar

Karen Peoples

Here in Michigan, people have turned their Christmas lights back on. It pays to procrastinate! I'm enjoying this "down time" with the peace and quiet. No work stress. Time to do my physical therapy exercises. Projects that have been put off for ages are getting done. I am enjoying this "holiday season". Stay healthy!

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Jessie Ace avatar

Jessie Ace

You always have such an interesting outlook on life John! You're right, it is like Christmas without the crappy tv and social pressures of gift-giving. I have to say I'm down with it. I do love your columns, great job :)

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Catherine avatar

Catherine

Hi John, you can register online with the government as vulnerable, you will then get priority with supermarket delivery slots. We registered my mother-in-law last week (it was very quick) and she now gets deliveries from Sainsburys. The links is: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable.
Stay well.

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John Connor avatar

John Connor

Ta. Found out after had filed copy & applied. Heard nowt!

Reply
Cyn avatar

Cyn

Thanks ,John
My days are not much different than usual ....I live alone and save my energy on more normal days to go my husband in the nursing home
Now no visitors ...so ... just sitting around in my PJ's , trying to be as careful as possible . It's not a good time to get sick !
The biggest problem I am having is not touching my face (as we are being told to do ) .....it is constantly itchy !
Thanks for your uplifting posts

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