93-year-old widow ate alone with her husband’s photo beside her — then two strangers noticed and changed her evening
Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones. For a widow named Gwen, spending time with her husband James Whittle was always a tradition for 71 years, until his death at the age of 93. However, she did not want the tragedy of losing her husband to stop her from celebrating the holiday. When she decided to dine alone on Christmas night, two strangers stepped forward, and their act of kindness moved her to tears. As reported by Liverpool Echo on Friday, January 9, 2026, Gwen spoke at length about her love story and her first Christmas without her beloved James.
In 1952, Gwen moved from North Wales to Liverpool to pursue a career as a teacher. That's when she ran into her landlord's son, James, whom she fell "madly in love with." James had returned from Egypt after completing his national service. After a whirlwind romance, the couple said yes to each other in 1956. James always made Gwen laugh, even until the very end of his life. In 1978, they moved to Hale Village, where they began their tradition of visiting Toby Carvery on Aigburth Road each Boxing Day. They led a happy and charming seven decades together before his passing at 93 in September 2025.
After many years of following the tradition alongside her husband, Gwen faced her first Christmas alone. The couple had no children or family, which led them to start their own tradition. Despite the loss, she wanted to continue the tradition they had built together. She took a photograph of them with her and placed it on her table. "People were saying to me that I can't go on my own, but I'm happy being on my own; there was no reason why I couldn't go and enjoy myself as best as I can," she said. While Gwen was ready to soak in the absence of her husband, she was unaware that two strangers were going to make her Christmas special.
During the meal, a woman who was seated alongside her family invited Gwen to join them. However, Gwen declined the offer, worried that the woman's teenagers may not appreciate a 93-year-old interfering with their Boxing Day celebration. But when it was time for the check, she was informed by the waiter that her tab had been paid by another woman who was seated next to her table. Although Gwen wanted to refuse the gesture, she was extremely moved. "I wanted to give her some change to put in her little boy's money box, but she wouldn't let me. It was so generous," Gwen shared.
Acts of compassion can leave lasting impressions, no matter where they happen. In another incident, a lonely, elderly woman who was down to a dollar found happiness at a restaurant. Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes in Springfield, Missouri, had announced a free Christmas meal offer to the needy, and the woman visited the restaurant. She was grateful for their service and wrote a letter expressing her gratitude for turning her Christmas meal into something meaningful, which otherwise would have been a lonely holiday. The staff who shared the letter online were moved by her words and promised to keep their door open for her whenever she visits.