Christmas is a time when most people think of family, of gatherings, presents and the sharing of meals, but for some this is just an ideological image.
There was a time when communities were smaller that everyone would look out for everyone else. When doors would be open in welcome and whatever was available was shared regardless of the family ties. These days though things are very different and far too many people are alone with no supporting network around them.
Several of our local cafes and organisations run open house on Christmas day. They provide a full three course meal, entertainment and presents for everyone. This year we decided to be volunteers at one.
The place was packed, and the afternoon was organised chaos, just as any Christmas gathering should be. The meal was amazing and afterwards there were quizzes, bingo and a raffle with pass-the-parcel for the kids … and even Santa popped in to dish out the presents.