Sheffield Star readers give their verdict on accepting 25 extra days of lockdown to have Christmas with loved ones

The whole of the city, and the whole country, are awaiting confirmation of what the government plans are for Christmas.
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Ministers are rumoured to be debating whether or not to allow up to four households to mix between December 24 and 28 so that families can be together for the festive season.

Some health experts have warned that if this is allowed to happen, we will then have to go in to a third lockdown for 25 days in January.

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So, we asked our readers if they would you be okay with this if you meant being able to share Christmas with loved ones.

A few shoppers around in Sheffield city centre as the Christmas lights are turned on during the national lockdown enters it's second weekA few shoppers around in Sheffield city centre as the Christmas lights are turned on during the national lockdown enters it's second week
A few shoppers around in Sheffield city centre as the Christmas lights are turned on during the national lockdown enters it's second week

This is what they said.

Andrew Cullen said: “Personally I'd prefer to have a scaled back Christmas day rather than another month of misery.”

Robin Ayse Dodd had an alternative idea and said “keep lockdown, make January 25 a public holiday and celebrate a late Christmas then if it’s safe to do so.”

Mick White made it clear which side of the debate he is on when he said: “A virus won't have a break because it's Christmas.”

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Beckie Oldroyd said: “I’d rather have quieter xmas knowing our family are safe, and make up for it next year.”

Kristie Ann, however, had a different view – but for very specific and poignant reasons. She said: “My mum is terminally ill and this will be her last Christmas. Of course I want to spent it with her and the rest of my family. She’s fully aware of the risks, but doesn’t want it to compromise her time left with us. Everyone’s situation is different. We can’t afford to wait.”

Matthew Bell said: “No, lockdown is not working as people are doing what they want. Hopefully the only solution is the vaccine.”

Thomas Ellis said: “I’m not adhering to any more lockdowns post this one. Xmas will be spent normally, and this year will be celebrated in the fashion it deserves as it passes by on New Year’s Eve.”

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Jane Deakin said: “I would rather keep my family than lose one for sake of one day.”

Ann Hirst agreed and said: “I'd rather forego this Christmas and keep me and mine safe and well, so we can have many more Christmases together.”

Sandra Clarke disagreed, however. She said: “We should be able to spend Christmas with our family.”

Russ Stuart was also defiant in his response. He said: “Going see my family anyway.”

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Jason Cowling questioned why an exception was being considered for Christmas when it hadn’t been done previously. He said: “Personally I think it’s wrong, they didn’t do anything like that for other religious celebrations so why for Christmas?”

Umm Yasin, whose family members have suffered with coronavirus, had a strong view and urged people to spend Christmas in their own homes, saying “we had Covid and it was vile. So, please protect your loved ones and don't mingle.”

Richard Senior also had an alternative idea. He said: “Simple solution; if you want Xmas to go ahead in your household, isolate for seven days prior to family gatherings and accept some responsibility.”

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