Woke up and had that innocent blank moment of thinking “hang on, something’s... up?” and the whole pandemic/Christmas lockdown thing came flooding back into view and I felt a bit wobbly even though I seemingly have no right to.

What I mean by that is that my plans, my life from today are not changed by yesterday’s news. I was always going to spend Christmas at home, I have already got my food and drink sorted and sent all my presents and cards, I had no intention of going to pubs or shops. And yet...

I think the way I’m feeling - with no adverse impact on my Christmas - just goes to highlight how weird and unsettling and distressing the broader situation is. So if *I* am feeling wobbly about it, those of you who HAVE been impacted, well, I can’t even imagine how you feel.

I spoke with a friend yesterday who is having to cancel his flight to Ireland, his family Christmas and possibly his last with his mum. He lives alone and has none of the ‘things’ in for a home Christmas. He’s reeling, no doubt.

But no matter how different our circumstances we both are valid in how we react to the current situation.

So I guess what I’m saying is talk to people about how you feel about this, be kind to yourselves, allow yourselves to feel whatever you are feeling and reach out to those in a worse spot than you. Your feelings are valid.

Today is an excellent day to do two things:

Text or call someone to ask how they’re doing.

Practice some self-care in whatever form that comes in for you.