Sherisha is single mum to a nine-year-old and has been a single parent since her daughter was born. She works full-time and volunteers as Gingerbread peer support group coordinator in Worcestershire.

Wow – what a year! I’ve gone from people giving me funny looks as I did my essential shop with my daughter in tow to her saying loudly “MUM – wine is not essential” during lockdown 1.0…

So, I didn’t expect my Christmas plans to be restricted like the past few months have been. My pre-pandemic Christmas plans usually involved me going to my Mum’s or Gran’s for Christmas dinner and exchanging of presents. Extended family would also visit. I alternate between my Dad’s up north and my Mum’s for either Christmas or New year. My Dad’s area is in tier 3 and my stepmum is vulnerable – therefore, we have to had to come to the realisation that I will not see them face-to-face until the new year. I’m giving them a big socially distanced virtual hug from my house to theirs.

I’ve come to terms with it being a quiet Christmas with me and my nine-year-old daughter. It’s not all bad – no pressure and I can spend some quality time with my daughter. We’re throwing away the traditional dinner and ordering a takeaway (I can hear the internal screams right now). There seems no point cooking a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings just for two! Also: there will be less mess.

Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful and, this year, I am choosing for it not to be. Ok – I guess I haven’t got much of a choice – but I do have control over making it a positive experience for my daughter. Video calls to grandparents so they can watch my daughter opening presents (after she’s found them, of course, by doing our traditional Christmas present hunt). Maybe a few virtual games with the family and much more.

I am a peer support group coordinator, so I’ll be checking in on my fellow single parents through the Christmas period and spreading some much-needed positive vibes.

This year has been one big “I never expected that”! If you’re spending it alone with the children this year, think of creative ways you could involve your family from a distance – and join your local Gingerbread support group to talk to fellow single parents.