I recently watched a video of a woman stepping off an elevator with her neighbors. No one exchanged smiles or greetings; they silently walked down the hallway to their respective apartments. But then, something remarkable happened. The woman pulled her table into the hallway and began setting it for dinner.
Soon, someone stepped off the elevator and the woman invited her to join. A neighbor peeked out of his apartment and was invited to join. One by one, tables appeared from behind apartment doors, filling the hall with food, laughter, and connection. A little girl, crawling under the table to reach the last door where an older gentleman lived, extended the invitation. He, too, joined the growing gathering.
Welcoming others in
This video reminded me of a recent visit to a family that gathers weekly. Their home comes alive with adult children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and friends who aren’t related by blood at all. Yet, everyone is welcome and made to feel like family. Adults chat, children play, food is shared, and the atmosphere is one of connection and belonging.
As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, I find myself reflecting on my grandma’s table. It was always overflowing with family and food. My special job as the oldest granddaughter was to create name cards for each plate. I cherish memories of running around with cousins and playing games with the adults. The connection and belonging I felt was palpable.
The loneliness epidemic
Today, such a connection feels increasingly rare. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), one in three adults experience loneliness weekly. Many of us turn to social media posts or binge watching shows in search of connection, only to find ourselves feeling even more isolated.
I’ve always admired the people who open their homes and hearts, inviting friends and neighbors to be part of their family. This year, I wonder: Can we be more intentional about fostering connection? Not just during the holidays but as we look forward to a new year.
For those who have lost a loved one or live far from family, we can be their family. For those who feel awkward or hesitant, we can reassure them that they are welcome. For those who are feeling a sense of longing, we can offer genuine, human connection.
This season and beyond, let’s set the table–literally or figuratively–and invite others in. Together, we can transform silence into laughter, loneliness into belonging, and ordinary days into moments of abundance.