In my opinion the speed at which normality returns will be linked to the degree to which the vaccines are sterilising. If they are sterilising i.e. the vaccine reduces transmission as well as illness, then the epidemic should fall rapidly, and fear for the future will fall with it.
When the 1/3 of the UK population that is over 50 and vulnerable are vaccinated serious restrictions should end. I am sure the NHS has plans and timetables but I don't know what they are.
The tone of the announcements was cautious because the authorities want people to remain cautious, and of course we should be so.