Lonely on Christmas Eve? How to find community in the region!

Lonely on Christmas Eve? How to find community in the region!

Christmas is often celebrated as a celebration of family and friends, but unfortunately for many people this time is characterized by loneliness. Especially on Christmas Eve, when families get together, single people often feel left out. This feeling is addressed by various initiatives in the Brandenburg region that offer support and community.

Things get lively in **Königs Wusterhausen** in the run-up to Christmas: from now until December 24th, the lively Advent calendars open their doors to the neighborhood every day at 6 p.m. If you would like to come, you should bring your own cup of mulled wine or punch, enjoy some cookies and enjoy songs, stories and music in a convivial atmosphere. An example of this is December 22nd, when the SHIA regional association at Bahnhofstrasse 4 invites you to take part. Not only that, the New Apostolic Community is also there on Christmas Eve from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for everyone who doesn't want to be alone. There is a contemplative devotion, hot drinks and snacks - participation is free of charge and requires no registration.

Community in Luckenwalde and Zossen

Another place to go is the **Petrikirche** in Luckenwalde, which is offering an open Christmas dinner on December 24th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. under the motto “Together instead of lonely”. Here, cooperation partners provide guests with a festive menu, and people with physical disabilities also have the opportunity to use the free MediMobil transport service. If you want, you can register at dein@tf-fuer-alle.de, but you don't have to do so.

In **Zossen**, the “Kleeblatt” family center invites you to a cozy Christmas get-together on December 24th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Guests can expect an afternoon with music, a festively decorated Christmas tree and traditional Christmas food – all free of charge, of course. However, registration is required by December 20th at 0159/06687628.

Initiatives and offers of help against loneliness

The fragmentation of social contacts is particularly noticeable at Christmas time. A variety of initiatives have therefore been launched to bring together people who do not want to spend these days alone. In 2016, Christian Fein started the “Keinerbleibtallein” initiative, which connects like-minded people via social media. Last year the initiative reached around 60,000 people, with the majority taking an active part in the Nettelrunde themselves. Another suggestion is the Zoom Christmas party of the Ways out of Loneliness association, which will take place on December 25th at 3 p.m. and offers an open ear for all generations.

But offers of help over the phone are also important at Christmas to support people in mental crises. The **TelephoneSeelsorge** is available around the clock and offers anonymous support for everyone. The numbers are 0800 1110111 and 0800 1110222. There are special offers for younger people such as the **JugendNotmail** or the **Krizenchat**, which provide quick and uncomplicated help via the Internet.

If you feel lonely during the holidays, you should get active and take advantage of the numerous offers. Because community is invaluable, especially during this time, and finding someone to talk to can make a big difference. More information about the various help offers and events can also be found on the website suicideprophylaxis.de.

The path to more community and less loneliness has many faces - it is up to each individual to take the first steps.