"Christmas is a bit like an emotional magnifying glass. If you feel loved and happy, Christmas will make you feel even happier and more loved. But if you feel alone and unloved, the magnifier gets to work and makes all those bad things bigger and worse." I came across this in the heart-warming animated film That Christmas. It beautifully captures the profound sense of intense emotions including feelings of loneliness that many experiences during this season. Last week, I was awestruck by how compassion and voluntary work are equally magnified during this time to counteract the season's struggles.
Images of Christmas time often depict a season of joy and warmth. The traditional cultural expectation of togetherness, amplified by Christmas advertisements, social media and movies create expectations of family gatherings and happiness. These curated images of happiness can deepen feelings of inadequacy for those whose realities don't match the festive idyllic Instagram lifestyle. For many, this time of year magnifies feelings of loneliness and isolation, turning what should be a season of celebration into a period of silent struggles and profound sense of disconnections as well as mental distress.
Loneliness during Christmas is a situation affecting people across all demographics especially the older age cohorts. For some, it stems from physical isolation-those who are estranged from family and friends. For others, loneliness is emotional, even when surrounded by people. Poverty and social exclusion are interlinked contributors to loneliness at Christmas. Research-based interventions highlight the importance of social engagement, community-building initiatives, and personalized approaches to mitigate loneliness.
Last week, I had the privilege of witnessing the indispensable work carried out by the Franciscan Welfare Association (FWA), a registered NGO operating within the Qawra Church Diaconia. This organisation works tirelessly throughout the year and is a testament of uplift the spirits of those facing deprivation and loneliness with a special focus on providing support and comfort during the Christmas season. Working in close collaboration with social workers and healthcare professionals from various agencies, they strive to improve the well-being of those social cases referred to by offering food and other support. Their service users receive cooked meals, frozen meals and groceries. In conversation with one of the organizers, Mark Gatt shared that the Franciscan Welfare Association (FWA) has impressively distributed 18,000 meals to individuals in need within the Qawra and St. Paul's Bay area. The FWA also caters for people suffering solitude by organising a monthly 3-course lunch at a nominal charge of five euros for those who can afford to pay. Most of the attendees are elderly people living alone and homeless people.
Apart from Qawra, in Valletta lies a humble yet extraordinary place that embodies the true spirit of Christmas-the soup kitchen. Operated by dedicated volunteers and supported by the community, this initiative provides not just warm meals but also a sense of belonging to those who are alone, often facing financial hardship or social isolation. The kitchen serves home-cooked meals, often accompanied by festive treats, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration. Beyond the food, the volunteers foster genuine connections.
On Christmas morning, Kċina ta' Marta, an initiative under Loop-a coordinated effort of Maltese parishes to support people in need-delivered 350 meals to individuals and families referred by health and social professionals. The recipients face a variety of challenges, including advanced age and health issues, but the most poignant and widespread struggle during this season is loneliness. This was especially evident as around 80 meals were delivered to single-person households, with many more going to two-person homes. Over 150 volunteers dedicated their time to preparing and distributing these food packs. Reflecting on the experience, Albert Debono, a pastoral officer at Djakonija, shared with me that the greatest beneficiaries of this initiative were the volunteers themselves. While the recipients gained access to a dignified meal, the act of giving allowed the community to confront and acknowledge the often-overlooked realities of those living among us in need. It was a humbling reminder of the importance of solidarity and awareness in building a compassionate society.
Such initiatives stand as a testament to the power of compassion, understanding, and connection. Whether through community efforts or personal gestures, fostering a sense of belonging can magnify positive expressions during this time of year.
Prof. Valerie Visanich is an Associate Professor in Sociology