SPOKANE, Wash. — While most businesses remained closed on Christmas Day, one Spokane tea house opened its doors to ensure no one had to spend the holiday alone.
Lunarium tea house continued its four-year tradition of welcoming community members on Christmas Day, offering free cookies, tea and coffee to anyone seeking companionship during the holidays.
Co-owners Amy Clark and Dorian Carahalios started the tradition in 2021 as a way to create an open, welcoming space for people who might not have family or friends to celebrate with.
“The first year, we actually had a lot of seniors that came who also didn’t have any family and were lonely on Christmas Day,” Clark said. “It was just magical to see people come in and appreciate being in the space and sit down and make friends.”
What began as a simple gesture has evolved into an anticipated annual tradition for some customers. The tea house provides a rare opportunity for socialization on a day when most public spaces remain closed.
Jonathan Shuffield, a regular customer, said the Christmas Day opening gives him a chance to connect with others when he can’t be with family.
“I came early because I camp out for everything, I must be early,” Shuffield said. “So I called some of my interns and said we should all come down here. I don’t get to see my family until the weekend.”
Shuffield expressed gratitude for the free refreshments and hopes the gesture encourages others to support Lunarium and other small businesses throughout the year.
The co-owners said they weren’t surprised by the steady stream of visitors who came alone or with friends to spend part of their Christmas at the tea house. For Clark and Carahalios, the annual tradition reflects the core values that guide their business.
“It’s really about safety and community and a place to express yourself and be who you are,” Clark said. “That’s very much the founding principles of Lunarium.”
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