In the spirit of the festive season, a Singapore couple, David and Esther Loh, are hosting a holiday dinner party for those who might be alone. This year, their event aims to provide a sense of belonging and companionship to those feeling isolated during the holidays.
SINGAPORE - It is that time of the year again, when most people gather their nearest and dearest and sit down for a meal in familiar company.
The gallery manager and his wife, Mrs Esther Loh - a 28-year-old creative strategist at a social media agency - are throwing a party for people who might feel lonely around this time of year. It will be the second such gathering they have hosted, following a similarly-themed get-together in 2022 that went viral on TikTok.
For Mrs Loh, it is important that everyone feels seen and heard. "When people think of Christmas, they think of celebrating with friends and family. They might not think about those on the outskirts who don't have that. It's a period when the lonely get lonelier," she says. In 2022, 45 people of all ages and religions turned up across their three parties. There was an empty nester in her 50s, whose sons had moved overseas to study; a woman in her 30s spending her first Christmas without her late husband; and a man who had been on the brink of suicide.
"We're not trying to change someone's life. We just want to change someone's night. If deep friendships happen, that's great. But we don't have lofty ideas. We just want to make them feel like they had a good Christmas."I'll Be Home for Christmas To lift their spirits, he started throwing Christmas parties for residents two years ago. The 2024 bash will be held at Coliwoo's Orchard residence, and he is expecting 50 to 60 guests.
"I find the festive shift very rewarding," he says, adding that because he is so familiar with the staff and some of the residents, it feels almost like he is with friends. Staff also share drinks and desserts with residents in the lounge on days when they work late. The 59-year-old volunteer is testing out the costumes she plans to don on Dec 9, when Kang Le Day Hospice celebrates a cross-cultural Christmas with an Asian buffet and Western carols. She expects around 30 attendees.
He shared his life story with her, while she entertained him with games and activities, keeping him company until his death in August 2023. "I enjoy doing the work. I'm happy to see them relax and have fun. If not, usually they just sit here and say, 'All I do here is eat and wait for time to pass.' It's quite negative," she says.
The volunteer, who visits the centre on Tuesday mornings, has prepared a simple arts and crafts activity to spread cheer this festive season. It comprises four strips of coloured paper that can be folded to form a heart, representing peace, love and joy - sentiments the Christian associates with Christmas.
Holiday Dinner Party Singapore Loneliness Community Intimacy
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