Christmas for everyone: Lonely people receive help and comfort!

Christmas for everyone: Lonely people receive help and comfort!

On Christmas Eve, the fire brigade workers in Brandenburg also carried out their important Christmas duties. Especially during this time it becomes clear how important it is to support lonely people. According to a recent Malteser survey, an impressive 50 percent of respondents would be willing to talk to lonely people on the phone. This is particularly significant in a country where loneliness is often a silent but pressing problem that can be exacerbated by social isolation. The issue is reinforced by an analysis from the EU's Joint Research Center showing that passive use of social media is linked to increased feelings of loneliness. Scientists found that consuming content exclusively without interaction increases feelings of disconnection, particularly among young people aged 16 to 30 who spend more than two hours a day on social networks.

Such loneliness is not only caused by people's digital behavior, but also by social structures. This becomes particularly apparent during the holidays. In Potsdam, a service took place in the St. Nikolaikirche, which offered space for reflection and community. This occasion reminds us of the message from Polish bishops to their German counterparts 60 years ago, in which the sentence “We forgive and ask for forgiveness” was formulated. Such comprehensive gestures are of great importance in these challenging times.

Honors and mourning

A sad loss overshadowed the festive days: the well-known actor Uwe Kockisch, famous for his role as Commissario Brunetti in “Donna Leon” and for his work in the theater, died at the age of 81. He lived a reclusive life, which led to his death being rumored in recent weeks. These false reports had caused confusion and concern among fans and on social media. Despite these dramatic developments, reality has now been confirmed: Uwe Kockisch has indeed died, and his absence will deeply affect many people who appreciated his art.

There is deep sadness in the industry and among the actor's friends. Rumors that had previously made the rounds about his health could have turned out to be highly emotional if they were unsubstantiated. Such misunderstandings once again show how important it is to obtain information from reliable sources.

Tradition and community

Despite this difficult news, there were also many beautiful traditions in Brandenburg that brought people together. In Luckau, over 100 Santa Clauses on two-stroke motorcycles spread joy by handing out gifts. In Waldsieversdorf, the Buckow-Waldsieversdorfer Wind Orchestra has been ringing in Christmas Eve with a festive tower blowing for 25 years. Such events not only provide distraction, but also strengthen the sense of community in the regions.

In Friedrichsaue, a still tells the story of the village and reminds us of the past times when schnapps was distilled there illegally. Such stories contribute to Brandenburg's cultural identity and testify to the lives of the people in the region.

When the midnight chime announces that a new day has begun, we recognize the different facets of life: from loneliness and sadness to community and tradition. In the midst of all this, the question remains how we can support each other to find connection in these often lonely times.