Open Christmas in Schwerin: Celebrate community and not be alone!

Open Christmas in Schwerin: Celebrate community and not be alone!

Christmas – a time of togetherness and community. This is especially true for the Open Christmas, which will take place on December 24th at 6:30 p.m. in the Bernhard Schräder House in Schwerin. The parish of St. Anna together with Caritas invite everyone who does not want to spend Christmas Eve alone. Caritas employee Rainer Jung is expecting around 80 participants and is looking forward to a moving celebration.

“The memory of the festive season together is something special,” says Hans, a 38-year-old participant who visits the Caritas day care center on Keplerstrasse with his own challenges, including an alcohol problem and the experience of homelessness. Here he found stability and now helps in the kitchen. His anticipation for the celebration is palpable because after a bumpy year, he will be in community that evening, surrounded by people who share similar stories.

A colorful program for everyone

The Open Christmas program includes not only the moving story of the birth of Jesus, but also Christmas carols and a festive three-course menu. As a special highlight, every guest will receive a bag of gifts at the end, which will be financed by donations. It is not uncommon for some volunteers, like Jobst Harders, to enjoy the anticipation and gratitude of the visitors this year. Sabine Matschoß, 67, has been contributing songs and poems since her first year as a helper.

Registrations for this festive event are open until December 19th. Those interested can contact us by email at [email protected] or register by phone on 0385 5916917. Jessica, 49, was unable to take part last year due to illness, but she is now even more excited about the celebration.

Support for those in need

But it's not just in the Bernhard Schräder House that warm-heartedness is guaranteed on Christmas Eve. Initiatives such as the heat bus are active throughout Germany, offering support to homeless people on cold nights. Callers can dial the heating bus phone number to provide warming soup, tea or coffee to those in need. Depending on the donation situation, there are also warm sleeping bags, hats, gloves or hygiene products. The volunteers, often prepared through training, provide important services in these solidarity actions, providing not only physical but also human warmth, as the Maltese emphasize.

There are many options for those who would like to help. There is even a big event called “Christmas with Frank & Family” taking place on Monday, December 22, 2025 at the Estrel Hotel. Around 2,500 homeless and needy people are expected here. This event is celebrating its 31st anniversary this year and always attracts a large number of helpers who take part in this campaign.

At a time when many are left alone, it is gratifying to see that many people are willing to celebrate together and provide help. Whether in Schwerin or elsewhere – Christmas spirit is in the air and there are many opportunities to get involved. Together we can ensure that no one has to be alone during the holidays.