Bugger ... just finished the bottle of port and can't drive !!

http://mobile2.tdg.ch/articles/19791303

The Geneva town organizes some free events for those who are left alone during this time of the year.

Well, it's more for the needy than for the wealthy expats if you read the article to the end. 

There are plenty of ordinary decent folk – both local and expat – with ordinary decent incomes and life-style – who find themselves much alone at Christmas in Geneva where, religious celebration apart, the Christmas meal tends to be an exclusive  festivity with very little, if any, room at the inn for an “outsider” .

When discussing other countries’ custom of extending hospitality beyond the immediate family circle at Christmas, I’ve been told “on ne fait pas ça chez nous” which unfortunately conveys the impression that it’s somehow a person’s own fault for not having any relatives.

R.

I totally agree with you Ritchie.

There used to be a Christmas eve at Palexpo organized by charities and sponsors. It was open to lonely people irrespective their financial situation. Alas it disappeared some years ago and was never replaced.

I had the chance to have some swiss friends for whom christmas was to be celebrated with both the relatives and the friends.

Personally I proposed to have a dinner at my place in Ferney. The event was read by over 250 people but none of them asked for an invitation. 

I attended, on my own, one or two of the Palexpo events and got into conversation with some interesting people each time and remember in particular a newly arrived Indian couple who were finding it very difficult to meet people.  Their French was non-existent and they were also very shy.

I also met some “helpers” who were actually living in the same street with whom I used to pass the time of day when walking my dog.  They had never mentioned

their connectionwith the scheme nor did they ever talk about it when we next met in the street.  Typical Genevese reserve?

It’s puzzling that your own invitation failed to attract any response.  Could it be that the glocals audience is so well-organized that everyone had some place to go?  Or maybe that Ferney was not an easy venue to reach?

In any case, I hope you personally had a happy evening

nonetheless.

All good wishes, R. 

Yes, generally people don't mention that they are involved in such activities. Probably the heritage of Calvin:  be good with your neighbour but abstain from advertising it. 

Yes, thanks Ritichie,  I spent a great Christmas eve thanks to Marcomarco who also opened his home to friends and strangers alike.