"This was the best day of the year for me"

Most people spend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day surrounded by family and friends, while others face the holiday alone at home. Then there are those who have no home at all, living on the streets or spending nights in shelters. For decades, the "Noël de la Rue" initiative has ensured that these individuals don’t spend Christmas out in the cold.

Preparations for this year’s event began early, with volunteers gathering at 9am to finalise the details. By 11am, the first guests began to arrive. Organising an event like Noël de la Rue requires meticulous planning well in advance, but there’s always plenty of work to complete in the final hours.

Eighty volunteers participated this year, including Sandra Pereira, who managed the coordination of gifts. The presents, which included practical necessities like knitted hats, were largely donated. Many of the hats came from residents of nursing homes, while other gifts were contributed by individuals and organizations. For Sandra, who has been volunteering for nearly a decade, spending Christmas with those who are alone or struggling has become a meaningful tradition.
 
“I first joined in 2015, during a tough period in my life. My sister invited me to come along, and since then, I’ve been part of it every year,” Sandra said.

Noël de la Rue has been a tradition for decades. This year, the team prepared for 350 guests – a number that grows every year, as explained by the event’s organiser, Léon Kraus.

“The tradition is about bringing joy to those living on the streets or alone. It’s about welcoming them into a warm, festive space, sharing a meal, and giving them gifts to take home. Many guests tell us something we hear often: ‘This was the best day of the year for me.’”

While finding volunteers is no longer a challenge, donations have become more difficult to secure. Kraus noted that contributions were noticeably lower in 2024 for a clear reason:

“People are increasingly choosing to donate specific items rather than money. This shift is likely influenced by events in Luxembourg this year. We also try not to emphasise our need for money too much, but every euro donated is fully invested in this celebration,” Kraus stressed.

Despite financial challenges, the day was a celebration of joy and togetherness. By 12.10pm, the first bowls of soup were served, and by 1pm, every seat was filled. What followed was a day brimming with warmth, laughter, and happiness – one that is not so easily forgotten.

Watch the full report in Luxembourgish