Christmas is a time to gather family and friends. And everyone is happy about it. At supper time, we can also make it beautiful and make it even more comprehensive. Some people live far away from their family or cannot afford to visit friends at this time of year. Why not invite them to a community dinner and make Christmas happy for even more people?
In NGOs and community centers, Christmas dinners are common for people who are alone and in difficult situations. This small gesture can make all the difference to cheer the person up in the new year that is about to begin. At your home, you can also organize yourself to receive more people at your table. See below for some tips on how to make a community supper.
Find out who is alone
When inviting relatives and friends, talk to them and ask if they know anyone who will be spending the holiday alone. Sometimes someone close to them will spend Christmas dinner at home alone. Invite them to your home and enjoy making new friends.
share the costs
The larger the supper, the greater the costs. That's why it's important to ask anyone who can contribute something. Whether taking a savory dish, a dessert or a drink. If everyone helps with something, nothing will be missing. If your family is well organized, you can even plan ahead to know what each one will bring and balance the menu.
help at work
Anyone who has the habit of receiving visitors at home knows how hard it is before and after the celebration. Cleaning the house and tidying up is a lot of work. So, accept help from the guests as well. If some prefer, instead of bringing food, they can arrive a little earlier or go the next day to help you clean the house.
Gift who needs it
Some people are in a difficult financial situation and therefore cannot buy everything they need at this time of year. Sometimes a small souvenir can help lift the person's spirits. Buy gifts for new guests too and help those in need.
local associations
In addition to having supper with the family at home, look for philanthropic associations in your neighborhood. They will be happy to count on your help for the end of year celebrations for those who need help. Christmas, above all, is a time of solidarity. So, look for those who organize themselves to help others and be part of that work.
Text written by Ricardo Sturk from the Eu Sem Fronteiras Team
