Off a bustling main street in South London, within one of the city’s most economically disadvantaged areas, the festive spirit is in full swing. A tea pot is brewing, and a lengthy table is adorned with a variety of foods, from cheese sandwiches to beetroot cake, along with plates brimming with houmous and olives. A Christmas tree twinkles in one corner, while a large tropical fig tree is also adorned with festive lights.
The Christmas gathering at the Oasis St Martin’s Village hub in Tulse Hill marks the beginning of a larger initiative. This inaugural ‘Together at Christmas’ community meal is part of a series of trial events planned for the 2025 holiday season, with the goal of expanding to 1,000 meals by the following Christmas.
Recent weeks have seen concerns from church and religious leaders about efforts by the Far Right to politicize and exploit Christmas. Steve Chalke MBE, a British Baptist minister and founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust, expresses worry over the growing societal divisions in the UK and the increase in fear, loneliness, and hostility.
Chalke, alongside a coalition of grassroots leaders, faith organizations, charities, and businesses under the banner of We Are United, seeks to unite communities against the rising trend of isolation and division. The ‘Together at Christmas’ movement aims to foster connection, belonging, and hope through communal meals rather than engaging in divisive debates.
The hope is that next Christmas, these community meals will be replicated in over 1,000 locations across villages, towns, and cities. These inclusive gatherings, facilitated by local volunteers and community partners, emphasize the importance of no one feeling alone or excluded, especially during the holiday season.
While Christmas can bring joy, it can also be a challenging time for many individuals dealing with loneliness or overwhelming situations. Chalke stresses that these meals are not just about the food but about building a sense of community and inclusivity, sending a message of belonging to all participants.
In contrast, far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s attempt to inject a particular narrative into Christmas events, emphasizing a Christian revival and cultural heritage, has sparked debates. The incoming archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, calls for unity in her Christmas Day sermon, advocating for compassion and inclusion in national dialogues.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, facing accusations from the Far Right about ‘cancelling Christmas,’ emphasizes the importance of love and community in his annual Christmas Carol Concert. The Mayor’s message of ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ resonates with the spirit of togetherness promoted by the ‘Together at Christmas’ events happening nationwide.
From Hull to Slough to London, various locations have hosted ‘Together at Christmas’ events, bringing together diverse groups of people. These gatherings aim to counter attempts at community division during the holiday season by fostering understanding and unity among individuals from different backgrounds.
In the midst of these efforts, community leaders like Julie Siddiqi emphasize the importance of unity and mutual support. Siddiqi highlights the need for positive actions and dialogue to counter divisive rhetoric that threatens community cohesion and inclusivity.
As the ‘Together at Christmas’ movement gains momentum, individuals like Christoff Taylor, who has firsthand experience with social challenges, stress the necessity of bringing people together to combat racism and inequality. The shared meals and interactions create opportunities for meaningful connections and understanding among diverse groups.
In various locations, including Hull, Slough, and London, community hubs have hosted inclusive Christmas dinners, bringing together people from various backgrounds to share a meal and celebrate together. These events serve as symbols of unity and inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness within the community.
As the holiday season continues, the ‘Together at Christmas’ initiative encourages individuals to consider organizing similar events in the future to promote unity and community spirit. Interested parties can reach out via email to express their support for the movement and their willingness to participate in future initiatives.