Every year, hundreds of people in Holbæk gather for a special Christmas Eve that welcomes everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from. Behind it all stands one woman, Nancy Maati, determined to bring warmth and togetherness to those who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.
Creating Christmas for Everyone
Christmas in Denmark is known as a time of light, tradition, and community. Yet for many, it can be a season of silence and loneliness. In Holbæk, Nancy Maati decided to do something about that. Ten years ago, she held her first open Christmas Eve dinner for anyone who needed company. Today, hundreds attend every year.
At the event, called “Jul i Holbæk,” guests enjoy a full traditional Danish meal with roast pork, caramelized potatoes, rice pudding, a Christmas tree, and gifts for children and adults alike. It is free to attend, supported by donations from local businesses and volunteers who help prepare food, wrap gifts, and arrange decorations.
Nancy’s idea grew unexpectedly large. Last year, 321 people celebrated Christmas together at her event, and even more are expected this year. What began as a spontaneous gesture has become a beloved tradition in the community. Over time, it has even evolved into an organization that hosts activities throughout the year, promoting social connection beyond the holidays.
From a Simple Café Moment to a Movement
It all started in a café in central Copenhagen a decade ago. Nancy was sitting alone, facing her first Christmas without her children. As she listened to two women discussing family conflicts over the holidays, one wished she could invite the other home for Christmas but couldn’t. That conversation sparked an idea.
Nancy decided to host her own Christmas Eve dinner and invite anyone who didn’t have a place to go. At first, she expected only four guests, maybe 15 if she borrowed her neighbor’s table. Instead, 76 people showed up that first year, filling a rented community hall with laughter and life.
Inspired by Openness and Inclusion
Although Nancy grew up in Denmark, her family’s roots go back to Egypt. Her parents came to Denmark in the late 1960s and celebrated Christmas mainly as a cozy evening, without a tree or presents. It was only later, after her mother passed away, that she embraced the full Danish Christmas spirit and bought her first tree.
Her family’s open-door approach to hospitality strongly shaped her. In their home, there was always room for more guests and sharing food was natural. She brought that same attitude into her own celebration, blending Danish holiday customs with her family’s warm and inclusive mindset.
If you are curious about how Danes typically celebrate the holidays, you can explore their traditions here: how Denmark celebrates Christmas.
Fighting Loneliness Through Action
Nancy’s Christmas celebration stands as a response to a deeper issue in Danish society: loneliness. Many Danes, especially older adults, experience isolation during the dark winter months, and it peaks around Christmas. Nancy’s initiative provides not only food and gifts but also human connection, which for many attendees is the greatest gift of all.
The event has become a community effort. Local residents donate time, funds, and supplies, while small businesses contribute food and decorations. It demonstrates how one person’s compassion can turn into a social movement that benefits an entire town.
People who attend come from all walks of life—some are alone, some bring their families, and some simply want to be part of something bigger than themselves. The essence of the night is simple: everyone is welcome.
This spirit of togetherness also connects to the growing culture of volunteering and grassroots charity in Denmark. For those interested in contributing or learning more, take a look at charities and volunteering in Denmark for foreigners.
A Legacy Beyond the Holidays
As Nancy’s project grows, its message remains the same—Christmas should never be about being alone. Through small acts of generosity and inclusion, she has built a space where differences fade and community thrives.
From a single café thought to a bustling gathering of hundreds, Nancy Maati has shown what it means to share the real spirit of Christmas in Denmark: togetherness, kindness, and a place for everyone at the table.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: How Does Denmark Celebrate Christmas?
The Danish Dream: Best Charities and Volunteering in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Nancy vil gøre op med ensomheden og inviterer flere hundrede til juleaften
