It s Christmas but not quite as we know it.
Yes you may be able to hit the shops, get a haircut and catch up with friends for coffee again after two weeks of closure but there s a definite air of enjoy it while you can as the threat of a return to lockdown looms large.
Health officials have warned that further Covid-19 restrictions will be needed before the end of the month due to Northern Ireland s climbing infection rates and the predicted January spike.
On the streets of Belfast city centre on Monday afternoon, many Christmas shoppers were also facing facts and accepting that their current festive freedoms will be short-lived.
A Covid Christmas: Northern Ireland public ready to celebrate festive period with restrictions belfasttelegraph.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from belfasttelegraph.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.