During the Christmas season, six Croatian families, in collaboration with parishes and the Jesuit Refugee Service, invited refugees to join them at their holiday tables. The aim of these gatherings was to foster better understanding and the exchange of experiences, giving hosts and guests the opportunity to share their traditions and memories.

One such gathering took place in Zagreb, where a student from Africa and a single mother from the Middle East with her son joined the holiday table. The hosts introduced their guests to the Christmas customs cherished in their family, while the guests shared stories about their lives, homelands, memories, as well as the challenges and adjustments they faced in Croatia. The conversations were relaxed, and the youngest guest particularly brightened the atmosphere with his cheerful questions and sincere comments.

In another instance, a family from the Zagreb area organized a lunch in their renovated home, bringing together friends, neighbors, and several refugees. Amid songs and laughter, stories about daily life, traditions, and experiences from different parts of the world were shared. While children enjoyed playing, adults discussed the challenges of relocation and the importance of community. Guests sampled Croatian holiday dishes, learned about traditions from various regions of Croatia, while the hosts gained insights into the homelands of their guests.

The Jesuit Refugee Service emphasized that such encounters are invaluable for both sides. “They help refugees feel welcome, while hosts often discover how much they can learn from people of other cultures,” they noted.

In these examples, the holiday table served as a space for connection and dialogue, proving that diversity can enrich everyday life.