Ebenezer or People Pleaser?
Words/ Lou Andrews
Traditions, trimmings, gifts and gatherings. Make room in the budget for some soul food...
When it comes to Christmas, you often hear people say that it’s about giving and not receiving! But is that true? Gone are the days where people used to get satsumas and nuts in their stockings and be happy with that. These days, people are more likely to ask for what they want and, let’s face it, the list goes on. An article on weathify.com shows that in 2022 the average person in the UK spent £642 on the festive season! And it’s not just gifts, we indulge in food frenzies and alcohol – oh and of course there’s the odd new outfit for the work Christmas party thrown in too!
So, how many of us out there give to charities at Christmas? There will be many of us that don’t. Why? The simple answer is...perception. This time of year is all about the extra treats and it really stretches us financially, so many people will say they don’t have the funds to give to charity as well. It’s here that I think we may well be missing the point!
A couple less drinks and that’s a tenner you can give to make someone’s life sparkle this season. Scrap the new Christmas sweater and wear last years – that money could go towards helping someone else keep warm this winter! And it’s not just money. You could, instead, give your time and volunteer to help? You get my point right? Sometimes our perception can be a little off and we need to realign. Have we all turned a bit Ebenezer? And if so, how can we correct our misplaced ways? Well don’t worry, you don’t need the ghost of Christmas present to tell you that! We’ve sourced a list of some of the charities that could use our help this Christmas. Get out there, make a difference and it will make you feel good about yourself too.
Lou xCrisis at Christmas
Crisis is a campaign that provides warm meals, shelter and much needed support to those that are homeless at Christmas. Last year they provided a staggering 3,484 people with support and, sadly, I suspect this number will rise this year due to the current financial crisis. Just think about that for a minute. I mean there is so much we take for granted in life, but imagine not having the basic commodities such as food or a roof over your head. There are various ways you can help; donating, volunteering or even fundraising, so head over to the website for more details.
Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity Christmas appeal
Donating to GOSH this Christmas can help fund vital resources needed to get a seriously ill child home. It can also help bring Christmas to the hospital for those who are unable to go home and provide accommodation for parents to enable them to be close to their children. This really hits me where it hurts as my kids are my world and I can’t imagine not being with them. If this resonates with you as it has me, please head to the website and give!
Action Aid
Action Aid is an international Charity that works with women and girls to end violence and fight poverty. They help keep them safe, which again is a factor in life which we take for granted. There are some wonderful success stories on their website and again you can donate, fundraise or even hold a sponsored event. Check out the website to see how you can help.
Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day
Save the Children is a charity that makes sure children in the UK and all over the world stay safe, healthy and have access to education. They have helped 45 million children across the world. Christmas Jumper Day will take place on Thursday 7th December 2023 and encourages people to don their best knits at work, schools or with mates and donate. It’s so simple. Head over to the website and sign up.
Age UK
Reading this site really made me think. The statistics presented show that 1 million older people had nobody to spend Christmas with last year. That’s so sad. These are the people that paved our way, that lay the very foundations for the paths we tread today and now, due to the circle of life, they find themselves alone. The least we can do is help them by donating so that they can get a call from one of Age UK’s trained telephone befrienders.
The Salvation Army Christmas present appeal
Help spread the joy of Christmas to families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift. It’s easy to do and if you have kids get them involved too, so they can understand why it’s important to help people. There is a full list of the items needed on the website and then once you have prepared your gift you can drop it off at one of the participating Salvation Army centres (again an area-based list is on the website).