Off a bustling main road in South London, within one of the city’s most underprivileged areas, the festive spirit is in full swing. A tea urn brews, and a lengthy table displays a spread of delicacies ranging from cheese sandwiches to beetroot cake, alongside plates brimming with houmous and olives. A Christmas tree sparkles in one corner, while a large tropical fig tree is also adorned with festive lights.
The Christmas celebration at the Oasis St Martin’s Village hub in Tulse Hill marks the beginning of a larger initiative. This marks the inaugural ‘Together at Christmas’ community gathering, 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 concern among church and faith leaders regarding attempts by the Far Right to politicize and exploit Christmas. Steve Chalke MBE, a British Baptist minister and founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust, voices worries about the escalating societal divisions across the UK. Chalke is part of We Are United, a coalition of grassroots leaders, faith groups, charities, and businesses working to unite communities in the face of growing isolation and polarization. ‘Together at Christmas’ serves as the movement’s inaugural national endeavor, extending a warm, community-driven invitation to connect, belong, and find hope through shared meals.
The vision is for these meals, uniting neighbors, to multiply to over 1,000 locations in villages, towns, and cities by the next holiday season and beyond. The gatherings are open to all, fostering shared food, camaraderie, and storytelling among community members, supported by local volunteers and partners who share the belief that no one should feel abandoned or unwelcome, especially during Christmas.
Christmas can be a time of joy, yet for many, it can also bring challenges such as loneliness and stress. Chalke emphasizes that these meals are more than just a culinary experience; they represent a communal gesture of inclusivity and care, reaffirming that everyone matters and belongs.
In December, far-right figure Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, orchestrated a carol concert in Central London with the aim of emphasizing the Christian essence of Christmas. Meanwhile, Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, Dame Sarah Mullally, used her Christmas Day sermon to address the divisive nature of national discussions on immigration, advocating for unity based on shared humanity.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who faced accusations from the Far Right of ‘cancelling Christmas’ in the city, delivered a message of ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ at his annual Christmas Carol Concert in Southwark Cathedral, underscoring the importance of compassion and openness during the festive season.
Communities across the country have embraced ‘Together at Christmas’ events, from Hull to Slough to London’s Waterloo. These gatherings serve as a response to attempts at sowing division during the holiday season, fostering unity and understanding among diverse groups of people.
The significance of coming together is highlighted by Christoff Taylor, a former gang member and founder of Young Creatives UK, who stresses the normalcy and power of diverse communities uniting. Despite the challenges of societal divisions and inequalities, the call for unity and mutual support remains paramount.
In various locations such as Hull, Slough, and Oldham, community hubs and centers have hosted inclusive Christmas dinners, bringing together people from different backgrounds to share a festive meal and create lasting connections. These heartwarming events signify the spirit of togetherness and solidarity that remains vital in today’s society.
To express interest in organizing a ‘We Are United – Together At Christmas’ event for the upcoming holiday season, individuals can email peopleunite@oasisuk.org.