We had made plans. All the plans. It was going to be big and fun and pretty much take over the whole weekend. The countdown was on. Attendance confirmed. Presents wrapped, monies allocated and we were good to go. Or at least so we thought. Of all the things we had taken into account, the one thing we didn’t bank on was a countrywide lockdown.

The thing is, even with all the plans in the world, things can still change despite how much you don’t want them to. And I promise you, Olivia didn’t want them too.

Celebrating Birthdays in a Lockdown

OK, so technically on the 21st March 2020, we weren’t strictly in a UK lockdown. However, social distancing was being strongly advised and numerous entertainment venues had closed their doors. So it was all hands on deck as we scrambled to rearrange a more suitable, not so social 14th birthday plan!

As it turns out, Olivia wasn’t really all too fussed and understood that essentially, things weren’t going ahead as planned. That didn’t mean she couldn’t still have a fun birthday. Her dad planned some fun activities at his house and I arranged for a small tea party at home. Family members popped by to drop off presents, observing social distancing measures and not kissing/touching each other.

There was cake, balloons, presents and more. All the essential ingredients for a good birthday.

However, it seems like such a long time ago now, 21st March. Life in a lockdown can seem to take on a whole different timescale, don’t you agree? After the birthday celebrations came and went, our family has retreated into their own homes and we are all making the effort to stay home as much as possible.

How We Are Living Our Life in a Lockdown

Right now, Olivia is living with her dad. Entertaining a teenager who is bored for a week or even a weekend is hard work. Factor in being home alone for most of the day and you have a recipe for disaster! So we agreed Olivia would live with her dad until this is all over.

Luckily, just before the lockdown hit, GiffGaff sent us a box of goodies which are going a long way to helping occupy a teenager who is essentially a prisoner in her own home (or in one of her two homes I should say). We had some great items to help alleviate the boredom. From a smartphone projector headphones and a Bluetooth speaker. Along with a GiffGaff sim card loaded with £5 credit, a reusable tote bag (did I mention giffGaff are all about sustainability?), candle and more! It is a perfect box for a long weekend/week/month/the year that was March to help you mix it up a bit at home. Because let’s face, at some point, even the biggest couch potato will get bored at some point.

Life in a Lockdown with GiffGaff

Did you know GiffGaff have some great plans for their pay as you go sims? I have used GiffGaff in the past, as has Olivia and I think their offers are some of, if not the best prices around.

One thing I didn’t know is that you can buy refurbished phones outright from GiffGaff. Did you? I actually bought Olivia a new phone for her birthday, but if I would have known this, I could have had a look for a higher spec phone for around the same price! With so many people changing phones frequently as newer ones are released, it’s a good way to make sure phones can still be used and extend their shelf life! Olivia had her previous phone for over 2 years and it was time to upgrade.

Lower prices and better data deals can go such a long way in helping us all stay connected in these new times. Loneliness is a real issue and being able to gift a sim card with a great deal on it to vulnerable family and friends can be a real lifesaver. Some sense of normality is essential for so many people and feelings of separation in isolation can be harmful in so many ways.

So how are you coping with your life in a lockdown? Is it better or worse than you thought it would be? Or have you mastered that art of staying home, staying connected and keeping safe and well?