With fridges full, freezers packed and 500 homemade samosas in the making, Meet & Deep Newsagents in Twickenham in South London is getting ready for its busiest Christmas Day yet.
While most stores will remain closed, the family-run shop will open its doors once again, not for trade, but to bring comfort, conversation and festive spirit to those facing a lonely Christmas.
For decades, Twickenham retailer couple Shashi and Pallu Patel have quietly turned Christmas Day into a lifeline for people in their local community who might otherwise spend the day alone.
"Last year, my mother made 426 samosas. This year, she and my brother Mitz are preparing to make 500. The store's chillers and freezers are filled with ingredients.
"Every year, our Christmas Day community party is becoming bigger and bigger," Dee Patel, the next-generation retailer of the family told Asian Trader.
The tradition began with a single, unexpected moment that left a lasting impression on the family. One Christmas morning, an elderly local woman knocked on their door in tears after being robbed and left with no money just before the Christmas Day.
"We circulated on our Facebook page for help. Lots of people donated a lot of stuff and we filled a big sack full of gifts for her. My mother invited her to the shop to spend Christmas with us since she was all alone," he said.
That Christmas, the woman was welcomed with homemade food and cake. Shashi came in dressed up as Santa and presented her with the sack filled with donated gifts.
“She was in tears,” Dee said. “She told us it was the best Christmas she’d ever had. From that day on, my parents decided to keep the shop open on Christmas Day to give a warm, welcoming and happly place to those who are lonely and living on their own.
"Christmas meant to be a time for family and friends but sadly, many people have neither and it can be a tough time for such people.”
What began as a modest gesture has grown into a much-loved local tradition of the community. Each Christmas Day, the family transforms the shop into a warm, welcoming hub, serving freshly made samosas, traditional Indian chai and plenty of festive cheer.
The Patels also don colourful Christmas outfits, adding an extra layer of fun to the day.
Over the years, the event has evolved into an informal community party, bringing together people of all ages.“Earlier, it was mostly elderly people who came in,” Dee said. “Now we’re seeing more and more young people who are clearly lonely. Some come in to buy a piece of gum and end up staying for hours.”With the next generation Dee and Mitz Patel, the family has expanded its Christmas Day efforts into something even more meaningful.
Alongside the festivities, the store now hosts a book bank and a food bank outside, allowing anyone to take what they need free of charge. Dog treats are also kept on hand for four-legged visitors.
“The community really looks forward to it,” Dee said. “Some people even believe a small Christmas miracle happens here every year.”
The family’s commitment to the community extends far beyond Christmas Day.
During winter months, the shop operates as a heat hub, welcoming anyone in need of warmth. A sign outside reads, ‘If you’re cold, come in and just warm up.’ Seating is provided and no purchase is required.
The store also acts as a safe space for children.
“If a child feels unsafe or thinks they’re being followed, they can come in,” Dee explained. “We keep them safe, feed them if needed and contact their parents.”
The family’s long-standing commitment to the community has also attracted national recognition, including the prestigious Points of Light Award, which was presented to them last year.
In a personal letter to the family, then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised their efforts, describing their Christmas Day opening as “truly remarkable” and highlighting the role their events and fundraisers play in bringing people together, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.