Emily
Last year, I was feeling lonely on Christmas as all my friends had gone home to their families.
Last year, I was feeling lonely on Christmas as all my friends had gone home to their families. Since moving to Portland after college, it had been difficult to find my tribe. However, just days before Christmas I met my now good friend Claire at a holiday market. We bonded over our love of everything festive. When she found out I didn't have plans for Christmas, she insisted I come to her family's celebrations. I was nervous but so grateful. Her parents welcomed me with open arms into their home. The house was filled with laughter, delicious food and we spent all day exchanging gifts and playing board games. For the first time in years, I didn't feel alone on Christmas. Claire's family reminder me of the importance of community during the holidays. I'm thankful she opened her heart and home to a stranger - it truly made that Christmas special.
