After two years of coronary restrictions, Alternativ jul can once again fully invite you to two days of Christmas food, gifts and atmosphere at Folkets Hus in Oslo.
– This is fantastic, especially gratifying to be back inside after two years out at Youngstorget, says Henning Holstad.
He took the initiative in 1969 for the event, which has been held every year since. Events have also been held in the last two years, but then the corona restrictions have imposed their limitations.
– Christmas is special. Having problems on November 24 is one thing, but having the same problems on December 24 is something else, he says about why the event is so important.
– That’s how we humans are, we’re put together in a bit of a funny way. When everyone goes to their own, some are left without knowing what to do. Maybe the family doesn’t want to know about them. We have lots of such stories.
– They have messed up their lives, yes, but this should be a day of joy for everyone. And here we are and we make it, says Holstad.
VETERAN: Henning Holstad is the initiator of the Alternative Christmas event. Here from 2016 Photo: Jon Olav Nesvold
Ribs in the middle of the night
The veteran says that even though the drug and street environment in Oslo is still at the core of the event, the doors are open to those who want to come.
– People who are lonely, who have problems in their lives in various areas and who would like to be with us, are welcome. You can come in no matter what condition you are in, emphasizes Holstad.
The doors opened in Folkets Hus at 3pm on Christmas Eve and are open around the clock until 1pm on Boxing Day.
– We are the world’s longest continuous Christmas celebration. We serve ribs at four in the morning, says Holstad.
GIFT PACKING: 1,500 Christmas presents will be distributed to the guests. Photo: Martin Berg Isaksen/TV 2
During the evenings, there will be entertainment, a walk around the Christmas tree and a reading of the Christmas Gospel. In addition, 1,500 Christmas presents will be distributed.
– This is my Christmas, and this is fantastic, says an enthusiastic Holstad.
– Like coming home
One of those who had made the trip to Alternative Christmas on Christmas Eve is Frank. He thinks the celebration is very grand.
– I have lived a slightly different life. Then it’s nice to come here, he says to TV 2.
– What does this Christmas celebration mean?
– It has a lot to say, especially for those who have the most difficulty in everyday life, those who don’t have much to go to. They have the peace of mind that you have a few days to relax before the concrete arrives.
LIKE HOME: Frank says it’s nice to come to Folkets hus. Photo: Martin Berg Isaksen/TV 2
Frank says he himself has been to the Christmas event somewhere between seven and ten times.
– It is very pleasant. It’s like coming home to my own living room, I feel very much at home here, says Frank, who says there is a lot of emotion among the guests.
– From sadness to the greatest joy, he says.
Christmas atmosphere
It is not just for the guests that Alternative Christmas is an important part of the Christmas celebration. Among the 900 volunteers we find mother and son Annett Berntsberg Eck and Erik Eck Jørgensen.
– It has become a tradition for us too. I don’t get a proper atmosphere until we get here, says son Erik, who is taking part for the sixth time.
Mother Annett is volunteering for the twelfth time. She says it’s a lot about thinking about those who are not as privileged.
– It is also good to be here. There is a great atmosphere in the hall, they are also so grateful that we are here, and that makes me very humble. It’s about the importance of being fellow human beings, she says.
MOTHER AND SON: For Annett Berntsberg Eck and Erik Eck Jørgensen, Alternative Christmas has become an important tradition. Photo: Martin Berg Isaksen / TV 2
Initiator Holstad boasts of the many volunteers.
– It takes a bit to get 900 volunteers and perhaps 2,500 guests to work together. It’s almost like starting a new company on Monday, and they get half an hour of preparation before it works, he says.
– Isn’t it fantastic that they stand up and take part in it?
