Christmas Atmosphere
by Randi Grace Nilsberg
Title
Christmas Atmosphere
Artist
Randi Grace Nilsberg
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
An 88 year old Norwegian widow had no one to celebrate Christmas with. She had recently lost her brother and son and had no other relatives or friends. The only Christmas present she could look forward to was loneliness.
The brave woman put an ad in the newspaper seeking a family to celebrate Christmas Eve with. She even offered to pay for the extra expenses.
She received more than 100 responses. Money was out of the question. More than 100 families were willing to open their homes and have an extra guest for dinner.
This woman gave a face to the 25% of the population in Norway who say they are lonely. She awakened awareness across the country. The Red Cross and the newspaper VG have now established the “Christmas Central” where lonely people and volunteers can register for a Christmas celebration together.
That’s wonderful, but no one should ever have to be this lonely!
Take care of each other during the holiday season. We can all contribute to reduce loneliness. Most of us know someone we can call on the phone, visit, send a card to or invite over to our house. Loneliness doesn’t go on vacation.
Uploaded
September 13th, 2013
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