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It's Beginning To Look (A Bit) Like Christmas: The New Rules On Everything From Carolling To Santa's Grottos

Jasmin Gray
·2-min read
Portrait of Santa Claus, sitting in chair with sack full of presents, looking at Christmas list
Portrait of Santa Claus, sitting in chair with sack full of presents, looking at Christmas list

The government has already made it very clear that Christmas 2020 is going to be far from normal.

Like always, there will be Christmas songs, mince pies and someone will inevitably have too much sherry. But for the first time, there will a limit on the number of people around the Christmas dinner table (one that’s not just based on how many camping chairs you have in the loft).

With 99% of England set to be under tier two and three restrictions when lockdown ends on December 2, people will only be able to meet up in a bubble of three households between December 23 and 27 in a bid to keep coronavirus infections under control.

But that’s not the only set of festive rules you need to be aware of. On Sunday, the government published a new set of Crimbo restrictions – and these ones cover everything from carolling to Santa’s grottos.

Here’s what you need to know in England.

Carolling

Three generation family are doing door-to-door carol singing. There is a senior woman at the door, appreciating their singing.
Three generation family are doing door-to-door carol singing. There is a senior woman at the door, appreciating their singing.

With research showing that singing can increase the risk of coronavirus transmission through the spread of small droplets and aerosols, it’s hardly surprising that the government’s guidance on carol singing is pretty extensive.

Here are the key facts:

  • There are no limits on the number of people allowed to perform and rehearse in children’s choirs or professional adult choirs – but amateur adult choirs are restricted by local rules on gatherings.

  • Indoor and outdoor performances are allowed – but the maximum number of people in attendance must take into account the area of space and allow for 2m social distancing.

  • Audiences must not join in with indoor performances.

  • Audiences may take part in outdoor performances – but should remain seated where possible.

  • Door-to-door carolling can go ahead in groups of six or less people. However, you must stay at least 2m away from anyone who is not in your regular household or bubble.

Santa’s grotto

Close up of Santa holding a Christmas present
Close up of Santa holding a Christmas present

If your kids have been begging you for weeks to take them to visit Santa so they can hand over their Christmas...

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