That seems to be one of the things that some great professors do. I've heard of that convention from many colleges/universities.
At any university, look for the professors who act like benevolent citizens of the best of university ideals. They don't all do it in the same way, but they're some of the best.
I like to think of the university as a microcosm, and incubator, for how you'd like larger society to be.
You can do the same for work colleagues. This has happened to me throughout my career when time/money/circumstance kept me away from family/home during holidays.
At any university, look for the professors who act like benevolent citizens of the best of university ideals. They don't all do it in the same way, but they're some of the best.
I like to think of the university as a microcosm, and incubator, for how you'd like larger society to be.