Hands up if last Christmas you predicted a pandemic, a lockdown, no international travel and NZ getting on top of the virus for this Christmas.
I don't think many would have had the thought around the tree that such things could even be a possibility, and yet here we are!
The disruption caused was plain to see, from businesses to babies, hotels to households, public events and Easter - there was barely a part of everyday life untouched by the wide reach of Covid-19.
And as an outcome of this disruption, we now have a very busy last few months of the year playing catchup on all the parties, social gatherings and community activities we missed out on!
Which is why I propose an amalgamation of things we need to get done, or missed out on so we can free up a few weekends to get back to doing nothing and texting back "I'll see what we have on and get back to you" (which is absolutely a no in 98 per cent of cases, let's be honest!)
Chrismeasterween. Let's just throw Christmas, Easter, and Halloween together. Of course, not the true spirit of the occasions, but the other stuff.
Let's get Santa to put a couple of pumpkins on either side of him on the sleigh, pop the bunny in the back seat, and save us the drama of trick or treating by just dropping the goodie bag off with the Christmas presents. Chuck an egg or two in there as well and it makes up for lockdown Easter, while also saving us a day.
Fawkseddings. A family who usually buy a few fireworks and head to the beach for a homemade display? A niece getting married? Throw it all together for a great time and a great time-saving. Vows and dinner done in the evening, then break out the big boom box and matches to wind things up.
Boxingool. The kids missed out on so much schooling, it's only right that we send them for a bit of catch-up on Boxing day so we can gorge on leftovers at 11am before falling into a deep and peaceful slumber from 12-2, slowly waking and gathering our senses for the inevitable 3pm pick-up.
In fact, let's run it for the week, don't worry teachers, I've got you covered, we just put the oldest kid in charge and hope for the best!
With some clever time-accounting, we can save valuable hours and make the end of 2020 the best bit by far!
- Adam Green
• Don't miss Adam Green and Megan Banks on The Hits Hawke's Bay from 6am to 9am, Monday to Friday.