With Christmas fast approaching, you really should at least start thinking about how you’re going to spend the festive season, what you’re going to buy friends and family, what food you’re going to cook, where you’re going for your Christmas parties… the list is endless!
But once you’ve bought your comic UK Christmas cards and pressies, and have put the decorations up, why don’t you think about how you could give a little back this year and spread a little festive cheer?
A nice easy way to go about this, and something you could do throughout the year with no bother at all, is to put out a big jar and drop your pennies and loose change into it each time you pass. Over the course of 12 months, you’ll be surprised by how quickly it all adds up and then you and your family can decide which charity you’d like to donate it to come December.
Another lovely way to help at this time of year is to get in touch with your local Age UK charity to see how you can brighten up the day of a few older people. Christmas can be an incredibly lonely time but you can make a real difference by signing up to Age UK’s telephone befriending scheme, Call in Time.
Volunteers are matched with older people and you’ll only have to give up half an hour of your time each week. And who knows? You might end up making a very good friend out of it, as well!
Alternatively, you might decide that charity begins at home, focusing your efforts there instead. If you have young children, why don’t you ask them to write a few letters to their granny or grandfather, or their teacher perhaps, thanking them for all they’ve done this year and saying why they love them so much. Little gestures like this really do go a long way at this time of year.
Or you could really go all out and go and volunteer abroad over the holiday season, really doing something a little out of the ordinary this year. Organisations like Projects Abroad allow you to volunteer in all sorts of different places, including the likes of Ghana, Cape Town, Madagascar, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Not only will you be able to really help support underprivileged communities and really earn your Christmas presents this year, but you’re sure to learn a few things yourself – and you might surprise yourself with what a wonderful time you have. What better way can you think of to start off a new year than by helping those less fortunate than yourself?
We think the Christmas Care & Conservation project in Madagascar sounds particularly interesting, teaching students about animals, plants and conservation efforts in the national park. You can also assist with recycling initiatives, environmental awareness and local clean-ups.
