With hundreds of thousands of Britons forced to self-isolate on Christmas Day, the spectre of Covid still hung over many people’s celebrations.
But, thanks to social media, people were able to share their festivities, posting pictures of their drinks, decorations and, of course, their pets.
The hashtag #JoinIn was trending on Twitter on Saturday, allowing users to admire each other’s makeshift Christmas dinners and solo celebrations.
The initiative was driven by comedian Sarah Millican, who urged followers not to “leave people hanging” if they were looking for companionship.
Don’t forget to always include #JoinIn in your tweets so we can see you. And make sure you click on the hashtag and chat to whoever is there. Don’t leave people hanging who have reached out. ❤️❤️❤️
— Sarah Millican (@SarahMillican75) December 25, 2021
People responded in the spirit of Christmas, sharing photos and videos – whether they were alone or with friends and family. Twitter users also made themselves available for a chat, just in case an unlucky person started to feel adrift in self-isolation.
Breakfast shares included Christmas tree-shaped crumpets and various forms of sandwiches while others opted for biscuits, teacakes or early Christmas pudding.
This was my breakfast 👅 Merry Christmas everyone 🎄❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y47NThzoj3
— Robin Windsor (@Robinwindsor) December 25, 2021
Others took the discussion away from food, posting up pictures of their pets dressed in Christmas clothing, wreaking gift-wrapping havoc, and their own forms of entertainment.
George, a cat at Stourbridge Junction station in the West Midlands, had his whole day at the station documented, from early morning moments by the Christmas tree through to the post-lunch washing up.
“I am very lucky to have so many people who are kind to me. I know that this time of year can be difficult for many. Please don’t feel alone,” the account tweeted, sharing the community spirit everyone using the hashtag was trying to amplify.
Our cat likes to sit in bags & get carried about on Christmas. If anyone needs a smile today 🤣#JoinIn #CatsOnTwitter pic.twitter.com/4T0nhEIC20
— James Russell (@James_JMAR) December 25, 2021
The conversations sought under Millican’s campaign included offers of jokes and singing, simple conversations about how people were spending their day and empathic exchanges about precious moments missed during the past year.
Beside the entertainment, some shared how difficult Christmas could be because of loneliness or longing for relatives they had lost in the past year and received outpourings of sympathy.
Twitter user Jo Griffiths tweeted: “I was feeling a bit low this morning but I’m a bit more festive now so I thought I’d say hi to the #JoinIn community. You’ve all kept me company for at least three Christmases now and I wish you all the most wonderful day.”
Samaritans, which highlighted that its hotline was open for anyone wanting to talk, also tweeted advice on calming breathing exercises for anyone struggling with stress or anxiety.
