Rumours are circulating about government plans for Christmas - here’s when it could be decided across the UK

As Christmas quickly approaches, families are trying to plan this year’s festive arrangements - which is proving tricky due to potential coronavirus restrictions.

Different rules and laws are currently in place across the UK. The measures that will be in place over the festive period are unclear just now, including how many people will be able to meet indoors and if people can travel from one area of the country to another.

However, there are rumoured reports of the government preparing plans for Christmas, which could differ depending on where you live in the UK. Here is what has been alluded to so far.

UK-wide lifting of restrictions

It is reported that the government could implement a so-called ‘five day break’ across the UK, allowing families to meet up and household mixing rules to be lifted for a short period of time.

The plans could see a temporary lift in restrictions from Christmas Eve (24 December) until Monday 28 December, allowing five days of festivities to take place.

However, although it is rumoured that the four devolved governments are contemplating this UK-wide lift in restrictions, no plans have yet been confirmed.

It’s also reported that another proposal being considered is the exemption of under-12s from rules on gathering sizes, which would therefore allow larger groups with children to get together.

A spokesperson for Downing Street allegedly told The Sun, “We are looking at ways to ensure that people can spend time with close family over Christmas at the end of what has been an incredibly difficult year.”

England contemplating plans for after second lockdown

England’s second lockdown is due to come to an end on 2 December, but it hasn't yet been confirmed what restrictions will remain in place when the country-wide restrictions end.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said that there will not be any "definitive" decisions regarding if the blanket restrictions can end as planned on 2 December, until the end of November.

Scotland’s tightening of restrictions could allow for flexibility over Christmas

In Scotland, some areas will move up in the tier system for a three week period from 20 November, which means tougher restrictions will be in place for these areas.

However, when announcing this decision on Tuesday 17 November, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that these tougher restrictions will give more flexibility for the “limited and careful” easing of rules over the Christmas period.

Wales considering options

In Wales, Health Minister Vaughan Gething said that the festive period this year “won’t be like normal,” but that it is too early to make a definitive decision regarding how Christmas will work this year.