Providing space for people who may not have a place to celebrate this Christmas. That’s what a Thai restaurant in Canton offered to the community.

It feels a lot like Christmas inside Green Papaya restaurant in Canton.

“It’s a wonderful time. We like to trade gifts,” said Net Nunta, the cook at Green Papaya.

For her and her partner Dirk Peirsman, they were trading flavors and hospitality.

“We don’t celebrate at home so we open here so we can see people too,” Nunta said.

Their restaurant was packed for the holiday, not just because they were one of the few places open, but also to offer a sense of community.

“They’re just great. They’ve both been a big part of the community,” said Lynne Kay, of New Hartford

The restaurant put a post on social media offering their space to anyone on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day who may not have a place to celebrate. It’s something they’ve been doing for the last five years.

 “I don’t know why the social media blew up on this year. Our sign has been outside always, but the community’s happy,” Peirsman said.

People didn’t even need to eat Thai food as they could bring their own food, but many ate it or at least gave it a try.

“It’s healthy. It tastes good. It seems so clean. Yeah, we love it,” Tommy Skarupa said.

Nunta says this idea started after they came to Connecticut from Belgium to run the restaurant for Nunta’s mother about ten years ago. Both are very far from home and say they wanted to celebrate with the Canton community.

“It’s so lonely you know. Your whole family’s in Thailand and I don’t know anybody so that really hit me,” she said.

This meant welcoming anyone, even those who may be struggling with money around this time. Peirsman says he made sure to take care of at least one person.

“I cannot give you anything off the menu, but we have some catering here. Come in and sit down, eat something for free,” he said.

So far, it’s been a success with customers vowing to make a return trip.

“We love the food. We love the service and love just seeing Dirk and his whole family,” Skarupa said.