A Danish mother and her son once spent Christmas alone. Now, thanks to a Red Cross initiative, they celebrate the holiday with a new family that welcomed them with open arms. Their story shows how connection can change everything during the darkest months of the year.
From Lonely Holidays to a New Family
A few years ago, Christmas felt empty for Lea Moth Johansen and her 12-year-old son. The season reminded them more of loneliness than joy. When her son asked for what he called “a normal family Christmas,” she felt powerless. She wanted to give him tradition, warmth, and belonging but did not know where to start.
That changed when she learned about “Julevenner,” a Danish Red Cross project that matches people who are alone during Christmas with families who have room for one more at the dinner table. Hoping to build new memories, she signed up.
Soon, she and her son were paired with Bente Brun, a woman who had decided to open her home to strangers for the holiday. What began as a single evening together turned into a lasting bond. Today, they celebrate the holiday as if they have always been part of the same family.
A Growing Community of ‘Christmas Friends’
For Lea and Bente, that first dinner left a deep mark. The warmth and sense of connection felt natural, as if they had known each other for years. Now they spend every December 24th together, sharing food, gifts, and laughter. Bente’s family even added a small tradition—guessing how much her son Mathias has grown each year.
The program that brought them together has connected countless families across Denmark. The Red Cross says demand for hosts remains higher than the number of families able to invite guests, but the success stories continue to inspire new volunteers.
When Christmas Becomes About Compassion
Bente believes that hospitality does not require major changes or perfect settings. The key is simple kindness. Her home remains the same, the traditions unchanged. What matters, she says, is welcoming new people with honesty and care.
The initiative is part of a broader campaign called “Alle Vores Børn,” run by TV 2 Denmark and the Red Cross. Each year from December 1–23, the campaign raises donations for families in need of Christmas assistance. Many Danes also contribute directly through gifts, food support, or donations to charities listed by organizations such as volunteering programs that help both locals and foreigners make a difference.
Loneliness in Denmark
Despite Denmark’s strong social fabric, loneliness is on the rise. A 2024 Epinion survey for the Mary Foundation shows that 12 percent of Danes feel severely lonely. Over half of respondents know someone struggling with isolation. Encouragingly, most believe social activities are the best way to reduce loneliness, and many think practical help—like assistance in meeting others—can make a lasting impact.
This perspective echoes the essence of Danish Christmas traditions. While the holiday is known for its cozy atmosphere, or *hygge*, it can also highlight the absence of family ties. Initiatives like Julevenner help bridge that gap, turning holiday gatherings into places of hope.
A New Sense of Belonging
Lea now sees Christmas differently. Her son, now fourteen, looks forward to December with excitement instead of anxiety. To him, Christmas means not only gifts and songs but also the security of knowing what will happen, who will be there, and how it will feel.
For both families, what started as a gesture of kindness became a tradition. They plan to celebrate together again this year, marking their third shared Christmas Eve. Lea hopes others will consider reaching out too, because, as she often says, opening up can give more than it ever takes.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: How Does Denmark Celebrate Christmas?
The Danish Dream: Best Charities and Volunteering in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Da hendes søn spurgte om en almindelig familiejul fik hun ondt i maven
