What a difference a couple of sunny days and a press conference from a Prime Minister can make!
This time last month I’d had just about enough of lockdown and social isolation as I could take. We had a couple of snowy days to distract the children and make the outside world look pretty, but we were desperate to know if there would be an end to the restrictions we have lived under for almost a year now. Then came Boris Johnson’s much anticipated announcement on the Government’s exit strategy for lockdown and instantly, I felt more positive about what the year may bring. So, based on what we know as of today, what can we look forward to in 2021?
This has to be the thing the majority of us are looking forward to. From seeing friends and family in and outdoors to a pint in the pub, we’ve all missed socialising.
Remember Eat out to help out? Seems like a very distant memory. What I wouldn’t give for table service and a three course meal cooked by someone else right now!
Yes we have been enjoying takeaways (personally, more frequently than is good for me) but there is nothing quite like getting dressed up and going out for a meal with family and friends.
- Driving to the middle of nowhere
Walking for exercise or walking the dog has kept many of us going through lockdowns but what I really miss is packing up the car and heading out on a drive to a decent walk, to tackle one of the Three Peaks for example, or a walk to find a waterfall. We are not all lucky enough to live with such adventures on our doorstep so being able to plan days out farther afield is definitely something to look forward to.
- The return of sporting events
Following their postponement in 2020, the Tokyo Olympic Games and Euro 2020 (2021) are due to go ahead this year. More locally, Sunday football, outdoor games like golf, tennis and netball and larger sporting events such as horse racing and cricket are due to return before summer. It is hoped there will be no restrictions on spectators attending too.
Okay, so we’ve not had the green light just yet for foreign holidays but it is reasonable to hope we might get away within the UK.
Whether it’s surfing in Newquay, afternoon tea in Kendal or the long days of summer in the north of Scotland - there’s hope that we might get a bit of a break from home this year.
Within minutes of Boris Johnson’s announcement on easing lockdown, the social media teams behind some of the UK’s favourite festivals began turning their marketing wheel once again, with a rush for people to get booked into their festival of choice. It’s been too late for some of the biggest festivals though, with Glastonbury traditionally taking place in May and kicking off the festival season, organisers pulled the plug on this year’s event back in February. There’s still something out there for everyone though, from large events through to local carnivals. I wonder if we will need wellies this summer?
Let’s face it, lockdown would have been a much duller place without streaming services such as Netflix and Now TV. But with the closure of cinemas and the increase in competition in the streaming market, movie and tv makers have had to up their game in the quality of their content; I have watched some amazing shows over the past year. There’s something special about a cinema experience though and I can’t wait to go to the cinema to watch the latest releases. It's going to be amazing, pass the popcorn!
- Hairdressers and beauty treatments
Some of you may have found a hidden talent in cutting hair or managing your own beauty treatments during lockdown...
For many of us though, the expectation has not matched the reality of home beauty treatments so getting booked in for a bit of a pamper will be at the top of our lists.
- Front line workers getting their lives back
Some things will never be the same as ‘before’ and for people who have worked on the frontline of the fight against the pandemic it might be difficult to come down from the adrenaline fuelled experience. It is really important to take time to reflect on your achievements and then take time to focus on living rather than surviving. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude, as expressed in the ‘clap for key workers’ in lockdown one. Funeral Directors, our NHS, carers, supermarket workers, delivery drivers - too many to name by profession. We thank you and look forward to you getting some well earned ‘me time’ - if you can.
And finally,
‘I have learned that there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words’ - Ann Hood
So there we have it, in no particular order and based on conversations with friends, colleagues and family - our top ten things to look forward to in 2021.
Don’t let the conversation stop here: pick up your phone and message your own friends, families and colleagues to ask what it is that they’re most looking forward to this year. Spread some positivity and join us in hoping that tomorrow will always be a better day.
Thank you for reading.
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