Seasonal

7 Ways to Give Back this Christmas

The festive season is a perfect time of year to appreciate what you have, but more importantly, give back to your local community. Many of us would love to give back and support others, but we often don’t know where to start. Whether you have time to volunteer, donate gifts to charities, or simply check in with neighbours and friends, we have listed some simple ways you can give back this Christmas.

1. Volunteer at a local food bank

The festive period is a busy period for all of us, including charitable organisations. If you are looking to support your local community, why not contact a local food bank? Whether you can volunteer for 2 hours or 2 days, all support is valid. You can help prep, serve, pack supplies, and make deliveries. You can also support charities by offering telephone and email support over the holidays.

You can check your local council’s website to find food banks or soup kitchens in your local area that might need your support this year. 

2. Support Local Businesses!

Supporting local businesses is something we should be doing all year round, especially during the holidays. The festive period is one of the biggest times of the year for businesses, and many of us default to large organisations and chains for our shopping. Local businesses need support during the festive season, and more often than not, you’ll find some incredible hidden gems that make for the perfect gift – a fun life hack to remember!

3. Christmas Donations!

Donating is an excellent way to make a difference during the holidays. You can make a box full of Christmas goodies for children who wouldn’t ordinarily be getting presents, or you could fill it with everyday essentials that we often take for granted. Or why not do both?

Everything from clothing, bedding, food, and festive gifts can be donated, so why not see what local charities are requesting and see how you can make a difference?

4. Buy gifts that give back!

You can donate to the less fortunate while shopping for your weekly food shop.

Purchasing simple products and leaving them in the donation boxes in your local supermarket is a simple gesture that goes a long way!

5. A festive charity bake sale!

Bake sales are a simple and classic idea that works every time. Grab your apron and whip up some quick treats to raise money.

Pop on a bake sale in your office. Or, why not buddy up with a friend and host your bake sale in a local community centre, a popular supermarket, or a local farmers market? You could even speak with any local events taking place to see if you can get your bake sale involved!

6. Christmas Jumper Day

Dust off that itchy Christmas jumper to support a good cause. Ask the whole office to get involved in a Christmas Jumper Day and donated to a charity to raise money for a good cause. Can’t wear a jumper on shift? What about fun accessories like reindeer antlers? Get involved, however, you can!

7. Check in on a vulnerable friend or neighbour.

As the nights get darker and the weather shifts, many begin to experience seasonal depression, so here are some ways to connect with loved ones in an accessible way:

  1. Pop round for a friendly chat or for a quick cuppa.
  2. If your loved ones live further away, a 15-minute Facetime can make all the difference.
  3. Play virtual games, like Heads Up, Charades, or interactive apps and games.
  4. Host a virtual hangout with your friends.
  5. Make dinner together over Facetime.
  6. Start a digital book club.
  7. Create a fitness group.
  8. Schedule a happy hour.