A Year-End Celebration of Hospitality

Embracing the Other in the Festive Season

As we approach the end of another year at OpenSeat and the advent of the Christmas season, I’d like to reflect on the essence of hospitality.

Irrespective of its humility or extravagance, special meals – feasts – are not merely a religious and cultural tradition but a foundational pillar for a healthy and thriving society. Sharing such meals is an opportunity to go beyond the surface of everyday eating and interacting, allowing us the space to engage with intention, acknowledging each participant at the table as an "Other" – even if a close family member! – as someone to celebrate, appreciate and learn from.

There is a transformative social power in hospitality – in hosting others, an act of service. It is an act that humanises guests, something that includes others; it is able to break down social and emotional barriers and aid in mutual understanding. In a world that can sometimes feel divided – and often is violently divided – the act of opening our hearts and homes to others represents something important.

In the true spirit of OpenSeat, let’s embrace intentional meal-sharing this season. At its heart, for example, the Christmas narrative is a tale of humanisation and the humble welcome to a special guest — by sheep, shepherds and foreigners. Let's take a moment to appreciate the diversity of voices, stories, and experiences present at our tables — each person is a unique individual, deserving of recognition and celebration. Whether our celebrations are grand or humble, whether we are hosts or guests, cooks or consumers — let's extend the metaphorical “open seat” to those around us.