Through the years we have been both guests and hosts at a Christmas table. Of course we have welcomed our own family members into our home, but we have also made a place for others, as we have for occasions such as Thanksgiving. I spent Christmas in Great Britain when I was nineteen and shared Christmas dinner with a large group at the Salvation Army corps of my relatives there. At the beginning of my ministry in Newfoundland we were invited to dinner both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. By the clock we had two Christmas dinners the same day because the meal on the eve extended into the early hours of the 25th.
Christmas is a festival, which is a feast-ival, the opportunity to celebrate with a degree of extravagance an joyous occasion such as the birth of Christ our Saviour. Extending hospitality is such an important aspect of our life in faith, it makes sense that Christmas is a time to do so. I'm interested to see that IKEA in Switzterland has set up a site for both hosts and guests to connect for Christmas:
The idea behind "No Empty Chairs At Christmas": At IKEA, we believe that no one should be lonely over Christmas if they don't want to be. So, whether your family is abroad, you are a single mum or dad, grandma or grandad or you are simply single, somewhere there is a place for you and people who would love to celebrate with you. We have created this platform so that you can find one another. On your own and looking for a place to celebrate? Or perhaps you have seats you can offer on your celebration day?Then take part in "No Empty Chairs at Christmas" and become part of a unique Christmas celebration that you will certainly remember for years to come.
What do you think of the IKEA initative? Have you even been in either situation, as host or guest, other than with your own family?
Have been both host and guest for Christmas dinners - rarely have had "only family" at the table... it always adds to the celebration.
ReplyDeleteWe have shared holiday meals with friends and neighbors when living out of province, especially. We still recall those shared meals with fondness each time those holidays roll round.
ReplyDeleteI think the Ikea idea is a lovely one, and yet I also admire those that are ok with being on their own over the holidays.
I did hear of an elderly widow in our congregation today who wanted others to know that there was room at her table for Christmas dinner for any looking for company that day. It would be a lovely table to be at....I admire the host greatly.