"No one should be alone at Christmas," she said, which is probably why she invited her daughter and her family to visit year after year.
"And my grandfather and I can't be alone either," she added.
It has been like this for many years, and my two grandchildren are now grown up. They were busy studying and working. As in other families, it was more difficult to arrange daily get-togethers. Grandma understood all this, but last year she was worried. They had agreed to get together at 5pm, but there was no one there then. Not even at 6pm, and then Granny went down to the flat downstairs to see what was going on. Grandson Žan was the first to arrive, saying that a friend was visiting and he would be a little late.
"I'm on my way," said my friend, apologising.
"Are you going to Christmas dinner?" Grandma asked.
"No. I'm home alone," he replied.
"Where are your parents?" she asked him in surprise.
"They're in the holiday house," he was short.
"Who is waiting for you at home? Who will be with you on Christmas Eve?" she asked.
"No one," he replied, and was about to leave.
"My dear boys, that's not the way it works. No one should be alone for Christmas, so come with me, both of you, quick."
Meanwhile, the younger grandson's daughter and girlfriend arrived. Together they went to Grandma's apartment, where it smelled really tempting. They quickly brought chairs, put plates on the table and poured hot, fragrant soup. During dinner, they had pleasant conversations and reminisced about Christmas in the old days. After they had eaten their dinner to the tune of Christmas carols, my daughter cut the cake and served the drinks.
During a lively chat, the doorbell rang. Grandma opened the door and saw her elderly friend. They had not had dinner together at home, there was no warm and loving atmosphere, so he walked around alone in a daze. He didn't know where he would stop, where the road would take him, but he came as ordered. Everything, everything, was still left of the delicious dinner and, although he was initially defensive, he enjoyed the food. He talked over the cake and his stories, his memories of Christmas celebrations in his childhood, caught everyone's attention.
They talked and laughed for a long time before he went home, followed by his family.
In silence and peace, Grandma sat down at the table. She was immensely happy. She had always feared that she and Grandpa would be alone on this evening, but finally they had two friends who would otherwise have been lonely and hungry; not for food, but for love, warm words and an unforgettable Christmas evening.
Darinka Kobal, 26. 2. 2025
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