Together with her older sister, Charlie (9), Ingrid has been to the toy shop to buy toys. The children and their parents have previously discussed how not all children look forward to Christmas and don't share the same sense of anticipation around advent calendars, gingerbread baking, and decorating the tree for Christmas, and finding gifts beneath it from their wish lists.

Ingrid chose a stuffed dog, but when it's time to give it away, she hesitates a bit:

"I like the dog so much that I want it for myself," says the four-year-old timidly, glancing at the others.

"I don't think that's fair, since there are others who need it much more. Because when you don't get any gifts, it's nice to receive a stuffed animal for Christmas," insists her big brother Charlie.

"So that they will have something to play with?" asks the 4-year-old. She decides that the dog should get a new owner and asks where to place the gift.

For the two children, the meaning of Christmas is simple: they list good food, spending time with family, and opening presents. However, not everyone shares this experience.

Since 2001, the number of children growing up in poverty in Norway has increased annually. Back then, the figure was only 3.3%, but today it has risen to a staggering 11.7%, according to Statistics Norway. For several years, Strawberry has been taking its social responsibility by collecting gifts for those in need in the local community.

Do you want to help? Please note that the guidelines for our Lonely Christmas Tree campaign have been updated for security reasons as of 2023. Presents must be unwrapped and should be handed to a member of staff in the reception at one of our hotels. The hotel will wrap the presents and make sure they reach people in need on Christmas Eve.

Find out more about how you can contribute here

"It's incredibly meaningful when we ourselves are so close to the situation. We can see the shortfall and the great need out there, right outside our own entrance," says Marianne.

For Gateteam Oslo, the help means a lot. For eleven years, the volunteer organisation has been out on the streets of the capital, distributing food, clothing, shoes, sleeping bags, backpacks, and hygiene items to the city's population of addicts.

"Having the opportunity to have the 'Lonely Christmas Tree,' where the gifts go to our friends on the streets, means a great deal," says Siw Indsetviken, Managing Director of Gateteam Oslo.

Siw founded Gateteam Oslo in 2011 after losing her father to cancer. At that time, she had a rewarding job, but amidst her grief, she felt a strong need to do even more. After seeing how many people were cold and struggling on Oslo's streets, she packed two suitcases full of her father's clothing. The first time she distributed warm sweaters, shoes, and freshly brewed coffee to the homeless and addicts, she was terrified. Her fear quickly subsided as she was met with immense gratitude. Today, the street team consists of more than 10 volunteers and numerous contributors who distribute food and warm clothing every Wednesday.

But in December, it's not only the cold that takes its toll; it's also the feeling of loneliness and worry surrounding Christmas. A few days before Christmas Eve, there large bags filled with gifts wrapped in Christmas paper are placed outside Clarion Hotel® The Hub.

"From: me, To: someone in need. I don't know who you are, but you need it, so I want to give you this. Merry Christmas. (You'll get a thick jacket)," it says one of the cards Siw reads aloud – written in green marker with childlike spelling mistakes.

Three days before Christmas, the card ends up in the hands of someone who truly needs it. Outside The Hub, it's raining during the pre-Christmas days. Along with a Christmas greeting, this person also receives a warm jacket. At the same time, Ingrid and Charlie sit around the kitchen table at their home in Ekeberg, Oslo. Under their Christmas tree, the gifts from grandparents, uncles, and friends have piled up.

Ingrid has also been with her kindergarten to give gifts in central Oslo, so she now understands that not everyone is as fortunate as she is. She knows that not everyone feels the same tingling sensation in their body, as she describes the feeling she gets when Christmas approaches. She understands, yet kids will be kids, and she looks under the tree and asks:

"Do you think the green gift with the ribbon is a stuffed dog for me?"