The ability to get outdoors, to weed the garden, feed the chickens or set off on a 10-mile sprint, is what got most of us through the first lockdown. Fresh air, open space and goodwill will be the saving grace of Christmas, too, albeit with less clement weather and shorter days. Not for decades have we been so grateful to explore and appreciate the countryside on our doorstep.
As households grapple the conundrums of how not to offend relatives and with whom to ‘bubble’, here are 10 reasons to be cheerful during the most restrictive Christmas since wartime.
Walking
The walk (or drive) has become the new holiday, but costs nothing: it has refreshed familiar surroundings, improved fitness, rekindled map-reading and reawakened a yearning to explore. Dogs are thrilled.
Neighbours
The combination of working from home and the natural desire for human contact has shone a light on the people under our noses. It’s brought out the best in them, assuaged loneliness and compensated for the separation from far-flung friends and family.
Holly
Berries are abundant and, now there is very little you can’t learn online, creating Christmas decorations will be extra satisfying.
Mulled wine
There are plenty of excuses for a wee tipple now that socialising has been mostly forced outside.
- RECIPE: Mulled wine made easy
Outings
Many restrictions are in place and look likely to well into 2021, but much of Britain will allow some limited gatherings out and about. Churches have re-opened; galleries and theatres are available to early birds, as are racecourses and sports pitches. Things won't be the same as normal, but it'll all be better than nothing.
Carol singing
Happily, it’s permitted outside, politicians perhaps harkening to potential mass dissent if they had, Scrooge-like, banned it. Good news for those stuck indoors: King’s College Cambridge is recording the annual concert early and it’ll still be magical.
Smaller turkeys
Reduced gatherings should renew interest in eating native breeds, reared free range — it’s the best way to preserve them. Local food producers have had a good year, relatively speaking, a trend we hope continues.
Fewer hangovers
No office parties or New Year shenanigans could be a game-changer. Forget the dismal crash-diet — there’s not much call for the little black dress.
Deliveries
Never has the delivery driver, postman and the rubbish collector been so appreciated. Please tip generously.
Respect for elders
Some, incarcerated in care, have had a terrible year, but they’re not forgotten. Cards and calls, and whatever visits and contact is allowed, will be crucial. They must come first this Christmas.
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country LifeWe take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
-
Exploring the countryside is essential for our wellbeing, but Right to Roam is going backwardsCampaigners in England often point to Scotland as an example of how brilliantly Right to Roam works, but it's not all it's cracked up to be, says Patrick Galbraith.
