It’s the time of year when most people’s calendars start to fill up; office parties, Christmas shopping trips, lunch after lunch after lunch, decisions over where to spend Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, Boxing day and so on.
For some, the festive period calls into sharp focus their isolation and loneliness.
It’s this problem that a local Ammanford church has been seeking to solve for the last 20 years through an annual free Christmas Day Meal open to anyone.
Sammy Davies, Pastor at Ammanford Evangelical Church, said: "What our Christmas Day Meal is all about is giving those who’d be on their own or unable to afford a big Christmas dinner the opportunity to experience what most people take for granted.
"For some people, the hype that surrounds Christmas can make it an especially difficult time.
"Our aim through the free Christmas Day meal is to provide a warm, welcoming occasion for people to come together and to enjoy food, fun and friends.”
The idea behind this special event continues to ensure that no one is alone on the big day.
Last year, new families joined the gathering to enjoy Christmas in a friendly environment and those who were not able to afford a full dinner were provided with a free three-course meal and transport when the alternative would have been an empty home and perhaps an empty plate.
2017 saw around 80 people in total get together to celebrate in each other’s company through food and carol singing.
In addition, a puppet show entertained the crowd at the event last year.
All those who attend get a free Christmas Day meal as well as a special gift prepared by members of the congregation.
The event runs from 1pm to 3pm on Christmas Day at the Pensioner's Hall in Quay Street, Ammanford.
It is open to all but places and free local transport must be booked in advance in order that sufficient volunteers can be found and catering arranged.
Places can be booked for you or someone you know by contacting 01269 596426.
Volunteers can register their interest by email contact@ammanfordchurch.com
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