This year, the festive season is going to be different, with the global health crisis and restrictions all around the world. Many countries have already decided to cancel their major annual events so as to prevent risks of contagion. As some of them went back into lockdown during the past few weeks, there won't be the usual crowds. Expats tell us how they are planning to celebrate Christmas and the New Year's Eve amidst the crisis.
“This year, it's very likely that there won't be any fireworks. Also, only five people from two different families will be allowed to get together. What is there left to do?" For Frank, who lives in Germany, the end of year festivities won't be the same this year. Politicians and police trade unions in Germany are in favour of banning the fireworks which usually draw large crowds on New Year's Eve. But whether they like it or not, expats in Germany don't really have a choice. Besides, Frank does not expect the restrictions to ease in the coming weeks, given the second wave in Europe.
Germany isn't the only country to ban the end of year gatherings. In Moscow, all mass events were cancelled for safety reasons. Late-opening bars and restaurants are also required to close earlier until mid-January 2021. However, the streets of the capital and other Russian cities will be beautifully decorated during the festive period. In Ireland also, the Municipality of Dublin has already announced the cancellation of the events. It's worth noting that each year nearly 110,000 participants take part in the end of the year celebrations, which are held over three days in Dublin. Being one of the most awaited events, it draws some 80,000 people just for the fireworks.
In England, people are having serious concerns since the British Prime Minister allowed families to reunite for Christmas. The current lockdown will be eased for five days, from 23 to 27 December so that members of up to 3 families can celebrate Christmas together both indoors and outdoors. However, these "Christmas bubbles" are not allowed to go to the restaurant or to pubs together. So here's how expats in England are planning to celebrate. “We hope our family, which is in the Netherlands, can join us for Christmas, but if they don't, we'll have to settle for FaceTime. But we're used to it now, ”, says Henry, an American expat in the UK. "With the current regulations and the rule of social distancing, it's more likely to be a small family get-together."
Patty, who comes from Guatemala, was hoping to see her in-laws for Christmas. "As we still don't know if we will be able to travel during the festive season, I am thinking of some activities that we could do here in North Somerset". She already has lots of ideas, such as personal development projects, sports, cooking, etc. Patty even made a bucket list of places she would like to visit in 2021! "As they say in England," Keep calm and carry on ... ".
Expats in Spain, which has been locked down once again, prefer to stay on the safe side. “We don't have great plans. Let's see how things evolve. If France is still locked down and we can't see our family, I will remain in Spain ”, says Chrystel, a French expat. Nadine, who lives in Andalusia, was also looking to reunite with her family in France. “If that is not possible, we will just stay at home. It could have been worse! Any, anyway, we don't have a choice”. Jacqueline is a Swiss expat who usually spends the Christmas holidays at Benidorm Palace. “We won't be doing anything special this year. We'll just stay at home and spend Christmas Eve with some friends ”. Alain, a French expat, hopes to be able to party with some close friends at the restaurant. "In case the authorities decide to close the restaurants, we won't have any other choice than to stay at home."
In the United States, streets are usually vibrant during the festive season, but it's going to be quiet this year. Events organisers recently announced that events, such as New Year's Eve in Times Square, will be virtual. Only a small number of people will be admitted physically to reflect on the themes, challenges and inspirations brought by the year 2020. With these arrangements, anyone will be able to attend the event virtually. But that won't keep expats in the US from celebrating the end of the year. Sylvain, a French expat, has lived in Florida for many years. “I'm going to spend 8 days in the southern Appalachians. I miss the mountains. Florida is good, but it's going to be boring this year ". Olivier, who lives in California, is planning to spend Thanksgiving with his wife at their daughter's place in Los Angeles. "We will be there for ten days".
For Andy, an Australian in Vietnam, going home for the holidays is not even an option. "So it will be family, friends, food, drink and merriment on the roof looking at the fireworks for me."
