Peter Jones, a park home resident at Marston Edge, in Warwickshire, looks ahead to the festive season at this most uncertain of times…

As this is our December issue, I thought I’d address the festive season this month. Christmas is coming and, normally, I would be really excited. I love Christmas. But this year is going to be weird – though hasn’t the whole year been just that!

At least Christmas means we can count down the days until we say ‘farewell’ – though not a fond one – to 2020, a year many of us will struggle look back on with particular relish. If someone had told me last New Year’s Eve what lay ahead, I would have suggested they’d read too many sci-fi novels. If only we’d had a clue.

A real pasting
The Covid-19 crisis has impacted on us all in many ways, and I am just grateful that my family escaped the worst of its impact. From a business perspective, I genuinely feel for those in the hospitality and leisure industry who have taken a real pasting because of the impact of lockdown, and continue to suffer because many people remain nervous about venturing out. And it will obviously impact on the Christmas season, which, of course, is normally the time for a good knees-up with family, friends, or with work colleagues at the office party. Not this year, folks!

So, more than ever, are we all in need of some Christmas cheer, and I am sure I’m not the only one who will be going the extra mile to try and spread some festive goodwill wherever I can.

Indeed, at our park home site at Marston Edge, on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon, we are all determined to have some fun, and plans are well in place to achieve that.

A real pasting
We’re planning a carol service, and we’ll definitely find a solution to organise some sort of festive gathering where we can raise a glass and share mince pies.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and what’s more, we’re all up for it – an attitude that has prevailed throughout this year. Community spirit continues to flourish where I am, and strong friendships have developed as a result of all pulling together and helping each other during lockdown. New arrivals are fitting in perfectly.

Spirit of goodwill
I have little doubt the same sense of spirit and goodwill prevails at park home sites all over the country, and I hope you celebrate with the enthusiasm we will.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re planning, I wish you the happiest possible Christmas.
And may 2021 be kinder to us all!