Christmas is just around the corner. England is in a second national lockdown, and while much is still uncertain, it is clear that Christmas 2020 will be unlike any other. So what does this mean for our settings?
Nurseries are having to have a big rethink regarding their usual Christmas events. Gone are the large groups of parents gushing at their children dressed in beautiful nativity costumes and prising the children from their legs as they refuse to perform.
Having parents in the setting is just not viable at the moment, and big gatherings are certainly not allowed. Some settings are instead holding a concert, sing-along or Christmas event that could be performed and accessed by parents via Zoom; each room doing their own little event in their bubble to ensure that contact with others is minimal and social distancing is adhered to where possible.
One of the focal points at Christmas in our nursery is the Christmas tree that stands in the entrance. The smiles the tree brings each year are magical. This is something we don’t have to compromise on this year.
Children will still be able to hang baubles and tinsel from the tree while ensuring bubbles don’t mix. Parents will be able to see the tree from the entrance, and hopefully it will lift spirits. We would like to keep as much of the magic alive as possible, and nursery has such an important role to play in supporting children at this time of year.
COMMUNITY
As lockdown – whether in place or partially lifted – will make a huge impact on Christmas for our communities, it would be good to teach children about how they can support the people who live around them. Creating cards for the local residential homes will certainly lift the spirits of those who can’t see their loved ones at this special time of year.
The positive responses during the first lockdown mean that many children are already asking if they can send pictures to hospitals and homes. This will help children to understand the true meaning of Christmas.
As Christmas draws closer, children look forward to the seasonal parties, games and a visit from the big man himself. There is nothing stopping bubbles within nurseries having their own Christmas parties, enjoying games and having fun. Rooms can still be festively festooned, as long as they are able to be cleaned appropriately. Let children dance, be happy and joyful. It has been such a hard year that some festive spirit is just what is needed.
I am sure many settings would usually have Father Christmas visiting, to say hello to the children and talk about what’s on their Christmas list. This can still be achieved in a variety of ways; for example, a member of staff from the children’s bubble could dress up and take on the role, or the new-fashioned way would be a Zoom call: perhaps Santa could be at home in the North Pole, Zooming due to social distancing.
Christmas dinner has always been a day to look forward to, with crackers for the children to pull and party hats to wear; the nursery cook arriving exceptionally early and the chaos as dinner is served with so many side dishes that something is always missed from plates. This can still happen, just in rooms, with the staff present who work in the children’s bubble. I know many settings, space allowing, have their children all together for this one momentous meal, but having it in smaller groups will be just as lovely, in a more intimate way.
TREATING STAFF
Once the Christmas party for children is planned then it is time to think outside the box for the staff. The usual knees-up and team bonding that occurs at the yearly party night is not going to be easily replicated.
Of course, much hangs in the balance in terms of what will be allowed by the Government, but I bet my last pound that they are not going to allow large social gatherings, alcohol-fuelled evenings and dancing until the early hours.
Therefore we need to think of other ways to thank the staff and give them some joy. There has been talk of some settings holding parties and calling them staff meetings, but we need to be responsible and ensure our team are kept safe.
So an online party may be possible, or online quizzes with prizes, or a small gift. The promise of the usual party budget going towards a social gathering when lockdown is over is another option.
Trying to keep the usual degree of festivity in the current world of uncertainty is hard, but it can be achieved with a little thought and preparation. However, some settings are just trying to stay open, keep their children safe and go day by day. This is OK: there is no shame in writing off 2020 and just trying to keep everyone safe.
Let’s hope 2021 is a much better year.