The Spirit of Giving: Making Christmas Bright for Everyone

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the excitement of children awaiting Santa Claus and parents rushing to finalise shopping and prepare festive meals. Yet, for many, this time of year can be a stark reminder of what they don’t have—financial struggles, or the absence of family, can make the season a difficult one.

As a child, I vividly remember finding ways to share joy with those who might otherwise feel forgotten. My sister Cynthia and I would gather inexpensive gifts—sometimes repurposed ones my mom, a schoolteacher, had received—and head to the local aged care home. We’d consult with the nurses to find out who didn’t have family and carefully deliver gifts, one room at a time. Along with the presents, we’d spend time chatting, hoping to brighten someone’s Christmas Day.

No one told us to do this. Our parents had instilled in us an awareness of how fortunate we were to have family and a home filled with love, so this was our way of giving back to the community.

This Christmas, I encourage you to think about those around you who might be struggling. Could you help serve a meal with the Salvation Army? Reach out to your local council to support families in need? Or make a donation to a cause like the Refuge Victoria Wishing Tree, which supports women facing tough circumstances (https://christmaswishingtree.raiselysite.com/)?

Let’s remember that the true spirit of Christmas lies in spreading kindness and joy. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas filled with love and generosity!