What will Christmas and New Year's Eve look like this year?

What you should expect this year 

Last week, the French Minister of Health announced that the lockdown isn't coming to an end anytime soon. Initially, it was scheduled on December 1, 2020. Still, President Emmanuel Macron reassured the population that they won't have to celebrate Christmas by videoconference. Either way, Christmas celebrations are not likely to be the way they used to. Current restrictions will be eased in three steps, starting with small businesses. The next two stages will take place just before the end of year holidays, and in January 2021. However, there will be limitations to travel throughout this period until further notice. It also seems like there will be a limit on the number of persons who are allowed to celebrate together.

Meanwhile, the British government recently announced that current restrictions would be eased for five days, from December 23 to 27. During this festive period, a maximum of 3 households will be allowed to gather indoors or outdoors. These "Christmas bubbles" will even be able to attend church and travel to other parts of the country during this time. For example, people living in England can travel to Northern Ireland from December 22 to 28. However, the “Christmas bubbles” won't be allowed to go to theatres, restaurants or bars together. Also, once they have been created, they won't be able to mingle with more than two other families.

In the United States, Christmas celebrations typically start with the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 3 in Washington DC. But this year, the ceremony will be virtual so that everyone can participate remotely. That should limit the risks of infection. Besides, the Christmas tree will be lit every evening, along with 56 other trees that represent each State. However, anyone wishing to travel to Washington DC during this period is required to undergo a PCR test at least three days before departure. And if they wish to extend their stay, they will have to undergo another test within 3 to 5 days of arrival.

In Australia, too, regulations vary from one State to another. In New South Wales, for example, restrictions will be eased from December 1 to allow up to 30 people to party indoors and up to 50 people outdoors. From this date, bars, cafes and restaurants will be able to welcome customers indoors in compliance with the 2 square meters social distancing rule. Annual events will be able to accommodate a maximum of 3,000 people outdoors, while masses will be limited to 500 people outdoors. The Christmas choirs will be limited to 30 outdoor singers and only five indoors.

How can you celebrate Christmas differently?

As an expat, you probably have your own way of celebrating Christmas. Some expats usually return to their home country to spend the holidays with their loved ones. Others stay in their host country, go shopping, eat out and party with friends at bars and nightclubs. In many countries, especially in Europe, Christmas and New Year celebrations will be in small groups this year. In the article Expats and their end of year plans amidst the crisis, they admit that they won't have the choice but stay at home if they are not allowed to travel back home in the coming weeks. 

But staying at home for Christmas doesn't mean you can't have fun with your loved ones. Apps like Whatsapp, Hangouts, FaceTime and Zoom, will be your best friends during this period. Henri, an American expat in the UK, tells us that, "We're used to it now, with the current restrictions and the social distancing rule." If you have family in your host country, you might as well plan a small dinner at home or a picnic at a park, and repeat as many times as you wish with your loved ones.

If you're used to partying with your colleagues during the festive season, you will probably be disappointed. In many countries around the world, corporate end-of-year parties have been cancelled due to the high risk of infections. In Japan, for example, 90% of companies won't be having end-of-year parties in 2020, according to a survey by Tokyo Shoko Research Ltd. Another poll found that more than 60% of employees in Japan do not even wish to attend end-of-year parties.

What about the traditional end-of-year shopping? According to a study by WSU Carson College of Business, Holiday Retail Report about consumer behaviour and attitudes in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), more than half of those polled are not even looking forward to the holiday season due to the gloomy atmosphere. A similar proportion of Americans have not only changed their shopping habits but also prefer online shopping. Going to malls and touring boutiques is no longer the trend amid the global health crisis. 

In the UK, also, businesses are also expecting a surge in online shopping in the coming weeks. So if you're wondering how to gift to your loved ones, don't panic! Today, anything can be done in a single click. So you can order whatever you want and put the address of the person you want the package to be delivered to, and you're done!

If you're still not sure about how you can celebrate away from your loved ones, here are some tips for Hosting an online party.