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Christmas Looks Different for Everyone
- Gunjan Jain
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Stories of Loneliness and Finding Connection
When we think of Christmas, many of us picture busy homes, full tables, and familiar faces. But for many, Christmas can be quieter, heavier, and even lonely.
That’s why we run Christmas Cheer - bringing people together who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.
Ahead of Christmas 2025, we visited two project members who were looking forward to spending Christmas with Marmalade Trust.
Kevin and Margaret’s stories couldn’t be more different. Yet both show how lonely Christmas can be and how even a short time with others can shift it to a moment of joy and connection.
Meet Kevin
Kevin is 70. He still lives in the same house he shared with his wife for decades. After being married for 35 years, Christmas was a time they always experienced together.
When his wife passed away five years ago, Kevin spent Christmas Day alone for the first time. After years of shared routines and conversation, the quiet felt unexpected and unsettling.
“I didn’t think much of it, because as far as I was concerned, I thought I was okay. I was living in my own house and the bills got paid.”
He also spoke about how Christmas changed in the years leading up to that loss.
“My wife went to the hospital on Christmas Day, and that was Christmas before she died. That was really bad.”
It was after that he found Marmalade Trust, and he has spent Christmas with us ever since.
Since becoming involved in Christmas Cheer and meeting others like him, Kevin’s weeks have taken on a new rhythm. Lunches, clubs, chapel on Sundays. Small commitments that give him moments of meaningful connection.
When we met Kevin, he was chatty, warm, and quick to make us laugh. He spoke fondly about his children and his grandson, who visits when he can and means a great deal to him.
When we asked Kevin why he likes to stay busy, he answered simply:
“I try to help other people… you’ve got to think of others.”
He talked about seeing others struggle on TV and wanting to do what he can. For Kevin, connection isn’t only about receiving support. It is about being present, and helping others.
Through Christmas Cheer, Kevin has made friends he looks forward to seeing again each year.
When asked what he enjoys most about Christmas with Marmalade Trust, he smiled:
“Seeing people. A lovely meal, and the entertainment is always good. I really like the songs.”
After experiencing a Christmas defined by silence, Kevin found a place with Marmalade Trust where the day feels full again.
Meet Margaret
Most days, Margaret spends her time in her room.
She lives in shared accommodation in Bristol, a city she moved to 12 years ago. While it isn't where she grew up, she goes out for a walk a couple of times a week and spends Sundays at church, where she sees familiar faces. This makes up most of her social contact. As she put it simply:
Margaret is 83 and was married for 53 years.
When her husband was alive, Christmas was a time they shared together. After he passed away, the season began to feel very different. As December arrives, the people around her get busier with family plans and gatherings, while her own diary becomes emptier.
Coffee mornings pause and messages slow down. This is the time of year when Margaret sees even fewer people, with no close family of her own.
“I did a coffee morning this morning, but don’t meet so many people now because everyone is getting ready for Christmas.”
For the past eight years, Marmalade Trust has been there for her. She attends our Christmas lunches and spoke about how much they mean to her. Not just for the meal, but for the chance to be around others.
“You meet different people… that’s something I really enjoy.”
She also talked about the friendships she has made through the lunches:
“We do meet up sometimes. They go bowling, although I’m always scared to fall… but it’s always so nice.”
Margaret also shared her gratitude for the volunteers, for being there for people who are by themselves at this time of year.
As we were leaving, she asked if we could visit again. It was a simple request, but it said a lot.
For Margaret, what the Christmas Cheer project brings is not just about one day in December. It’s about feeling seen, remembered, and connected during a season that can otherwise feel very isolating.
If you would like to support campaigns like Christmas Cheer, helping to create moments of connection for people like Margaret and Kevin, make a donation here.