So how do we prepare for our first COVID 19 Christmas?

Preparing for our first COVID 19 Christmas. Firstly, did anyone think we would still be in lockdown and limited to what we can do? 

Preparing for our first Covid 10 2020 Christmas does not have to be as overwhelming as we may imagine.

We are all aware that change happens to us all. So, it’s just another way for us to adjust to the changes in the way we are used to celebrating.

Most of us will be organised much earlier this year and relying on postage and deliveries in a timely manner.  And many of us will be celebrating in a small fashion or just not in the festive mood this year.

This is a time to check on friends and family members, being a very lonely and depressing time for some.

With the pandemic, it will help us all to be a little more aware.  Reaching out to our community and keeping an eye on neighbours and the likes will be very helpful

Whatever the case maybe we will all have to make some adjustments and cope with the changes. There will be changes and won’t be the same as we are used to experiencing this Christmas 2020.

It is a time of reflection and time with family.

Preparing for late deliveries

Another reason to get in early with your Christmas shopping is the possibility of delayed deliveries.

There’s been an unprecedented number of people shopping online this year. It’s expected that a new round of records will be broken at Christmas, especially in Victoria.

Leaving online purchases to the last minute will be risky. You don’t want to have to pay extra for express post.

 Instead, try and get your online purchases sorted before the December onslaught begins.

While almost a third of us are planning to spend less this year. It certainly doesn’t make the holiday period any less meaningful.

If anything, I think most of us have come to terms with what really matters this year. It certainly isn’t Christmas presents.

Preparing for Our first Covid 19 2020 Christmas

Interesting facts Covid 19 – 2020 Christmas

Perhaps the biggest impact that COVID-19 will have on Christmas 2020 is the amount of money people are willing to spend.

Data from Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker shows that 74% of Australians are stressed about their financial situation.

Over half could rely on their current savings for just 2 months or less if they lost their job.

While 1 in 3 are concerned about their ability to afford day-to-day expenses once government assistance ends.

This is hardly conducive to spending, and the proof is in the data.

A recent Finder survey revealed that 37% of those aged 18 and above – equivalent to 7 million people – are planning to spend less money this Christmas compared to last year.

The research found that those planning to reduce their spending will do so by almost a third (32%).

Average festive spend in 2019 was $969, this amount will decrease to $659 in 2020, that is $310 less than last year.

Who is spending the least?

With unemployment levels disproportionately affecting younger Australians, it’s unsurprising that they’re the most reluctant to fork out this Christmas.

Around 41% of both Gen Y and Gen Z are planning to spend less than last year.

Victorians too will be lowering their festive spend, with the state still in stage 3-4 restrictions and unemployment set to reach 11% by December.

Around 40% of Victorian residents are planning to spend less this Christmas, followed by 38% of Queenslanders.

Reference: https://www.moneymag.com.au/covid-19-christmas-start-preparing-budgeting

What will Christmas look like in shopping centres this year?

We have the issue of social distancing to contend with and most Santa’s being in the high-risk age category. 

There is no easy solution to the current predicament we find ourselves in.

However, we believe that both retailers and shoppers will be expecting a strong presence of Christmas decoration and cheer this year.

COVID-19 took away Easter and Mother’s Day to name a few, so taking Christmas away is just not an option.

Preparing for Our first Covid 19 2020 Christmas Non-Contact?

Santa Sets may be replaced with giant standalone trees where a community-based non-contact event can be held.

The trees will have an interactive and or timed show component that may happen on the hour every hour.

Some of our sets may even be dissected to still have a strong presence but in a non-contact way.

Another option is “Selfie Stations” throughout the centres where families can take their own photos.

Or the centre provides a non-contact photographer who sends the images to the family digitally.

Anyway, it will be interesting to see what happens in different shopping centres. It will be nice to see some imagination and creativity take place.

It just might be a nice presently surprise to have a few different options and see Christmas differently.

We can still celebrate and incorporate maybe new traditions.

Reference: https://www.shoppingcentrenews.com.au/shopping-centre-news/events/what-will-christmas-look-like-in-shopping-centres-this-year/