Gifts, Santa Claus and sweet music at Christmas party in the Park
The mascot Leo and FC Copenhagen's head coach also stopped by when the Red Cross Capital and FCK held a Christmas party for families and single people with limited networks on Christmas Eve.
The volunteers had been working since the morning, and as 10 o'clock approached, the guests grew in number. They had all come to participate in the Red Cross Capital City Christmas party, which was once again held this year in Parken in collaboration with FC Copenhagen.
The party took place in one of the Parken's large lounges, high up and overlooking the football field on one side and the Community Park on the other. In a separate room, the Christmas tree was beautifully decorated, ready for dancing and gift giving.
“This is the second time we have held a Christmas party together with FC Copenhagen, and again this year it was a really good day for both our guests and our volunteers,” says Trine Steffensen, development consultant at the Red Cross Capital.
Gifts for everyone
There were many gifts this Christmas Eve, for both young and old. Both FCK and the Red Cross Capital handed out packages to all guests, and Santa Claus of course had gifts for the children after the dance around the Christmas tree.
There were also almond prizes, although it took a while to find the winners. “They had forgotten the almonds,” says Trine Steffensen. “The Drillenissen had been in the running.”
The winners of the purchased marzipan pigs had to be found by writing small notes that were stuck under the bowls.
Leo and Neestrup wished a Merry Christmas
The food was served in abundance at the large tables in the room, each seating 12 or 20 guests. Nothing was spared, and the menu offered, among other things, herring, roast pork and duck. Beer and water ad libitum, of course from Carlsberg, were also available.
Along the way, there was the opportunity to get a tour of the Park, and many of the guests took up the offer. To the children's great joy, it turned out that FCK's mascot, Leo, was waiting in one of the changing rooms. FCK's head coach, Jacob Neestrup, also stopped by, and several of the guests had their picture taken with him in front of the party's beautiful Christmas tree.
Sweet music
As the day progressed, the food was eaten and the guests got to know each other better, the conversations around the tables became more frequent. Some of the guests knew each other beforehand, while others were meeting for the first time.
“One of our hosts said that she got on so well with the family she was sitting with that she wanted to keep in touch with them,” says Trine Steffensen.
Amalie Lennert and Emilie Engholm, who are interns at the Danish Red Cross Capital, were both at the party. And they too noticed the good atmosphere and the relationships that were created as the day progressed.
“One of the guests was from Ukraine and couldn’t speak Danish,” says Amalie Lennert. “She was helping to weave Christmas decorations. When you don’t speak the same language, you have to find a third common language,” she explains.
“There was also the one who asked one of the hosts if it was inappropriate to ask a lady for her phone number. So there was some sweet music too,” adds Amalie Lennert, and both Emilie Engholm and Trine Steffensen nod.
What did the host answer?
“She probably thought that was okay,” says Trine Steffensen with a smile. “They were very grown-up people.”
Have a nice day
The Christmas party ended at 15 p.m., and soon after, the otherwise festive rooms were empty. Out in the December darkness, the guests went home with their gifts, while the volunteers cycled off to celebrate Christmas Eve once more. This time with their families.
The Red Cross Capital City Christmas Party is held every year on Christmas Eve. Since 2023, the party has been held in collaboration with FC Copenhagen. This year's party was attended by 225 guests and more than 50 volunteers from FC Copenhagen and the Red Cross Capital City.