The most wonderful time of the year is well and truly upon us once more! But, amid the excitement of blasting Mariah Carey and popping a well-worn copy of Elf in the DVD player, it’s important to remember the true spirit of Christmas. At the heart of the celebrations, Christmas is all about giving back to those around us, from loved ones to complete strangers alike.
With Gen Z pegged to become one of the charitable generations according to Forbes, it’s heart-warming to see young Australians motivated to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. However, the reality of tight budgets and stretched schedules has nudged traditional holiday volunteering out of reach for many young adults. For most of us, this means that donning an elf suit à la Will Ferrell to lend a hand at the local toy drive is probably not on the cards these holidays. However, there are still plenty of easy and accessible ways that young Aussies can give back this giving season.
In this article, we’ll unwrap seven of the most meaningful, affordable, and low-effort ways to spread some holiday cheer amid the tinsel-induced chaos of Christmas.
Host a Charity Dinner Party
For most of us, the holidays mark a time to come together with our nearest and dearest and celebrate all that we are grateful for as the year comes to a close. Hosting a holiday dinner party isn’t just about setting a lavish table or showing off your culinary skills – it can also be a chance to give back. Gather your friends and family and ask each guest to bring a dish and a small entry fee to be donated to charity. It’s a heart-warming way to give your Christmas gathering a greater purpose without compromising on a delicious feast. You can even up the ante by turning the annual backyard cricket match or card game into a high-stakes fundraiser, with the entry-fee prize pool being donated to the winner’s charity of choice.
Choose Gifts That Do Good
The age-old dilemma of what to gift your loved ones is soon to be a thing of the past! Put your money where your heart is by choosing gifts that reflect you and your recipient’s values while giving back to worthwhile causes at the same time. Whether this means prioritising sustainably made products, seeking retailers that donate proceeds to charity, or purchasing from female or minority-owned businesses, there’s a way to support almost every cause. If sustainable and ethical fashion is your cup of tea, be sure to check out Good On You to find top-rated retailers. Your loved ones are bound to appreciate the time and effort put into your gift, as well as knowing that it positively impacts people and our planet.
Support Small and Local Businesses
Skip the overcrowded shopping centres that are packed to the rafters with stock-standard gifts produced en masse. Instead, opt for local artisans and independently owned stores when ticking off your holiday shopping list. It’s a win-win situation, as you’ll bring joy to your friends and family with a thoughtfully purchased gift whilst also supporting the local economy. For unique gift ideas that support rural Aussie businesses, the Buy From The Bush gift guide offers the perfect starting point.
Leave a Gift Under the Wishing Tree
If you do decide to brave the holiday rush this year, don’t forget to strap on a pair of comfy shoes and keep a keen eye out for the wishing trees during your mad dash through the shops. Pluck a tag from the branches of the wishing tree and fulfil the wish written inside by purchasing an item that fits the description. Place your new, unwrapped present underneath the tree with the tag attached and bask in the joy of knowing that your contribution will make a difference for an Aussie in need. Some shopping centres may host their own wishing tree initiative, or you can find one at your local Kmart or Big W during your shopping spree.
Shout a Coffee for Someone in Need
If you’re the type of person who can’t make it through the day without your caffeine fix, consider gifting a coffee to someone in need at your local coffee shop. Many cafés are now offering ‘suspended’ coffee, paid for in advance by kind-hearted coffee lovers so that the shop can pay it forward to someone less fortunate. The age-old Italian tradition is relatively new to Australian shores, with the movement spreading rapidly across the country. Purchasing a suspended coffee is the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer without breaking the bank or stepping outside of your daily routine. Simply ask the staff at your go-to coffee spot if they offer suspended coffees or visit Suspended Coffees to find a participating shop near you.
Gift a Sponsorship
Have you got a compassionate friend or family member who always finds joy in giving back? Taking out a sponsorship in their name could be the perfect gift for your loved one, giving them the peace of mind of knowing they are helping to change lives. For your animal-obsessed friend, you can adopt an animal for them through organisations such as Taronga Zoo and WWF, which do important work to protect and conserve animal species while providing regular updates on your adoptee. If you’d prefer to give a more tangible gift, check out Fahlo’s range of beaded bracelets that allow your recipient to learn their wild animal’s story and track their journey whilst helping to fund conservation efforts. For your community-oriented loved ones, consider sponsoring a child in need on their behalf through organisations such as The Smith Family or World Vision, and give them the gift of knowing their present is providing a brighter future for our next generation.
Pen a Heartfelt Holiday Card
Sometimes even the smallest of gestures can spread the most holiday magic. If you’re seeking an easy at-home way to brighten the lives of others these holidays, consider penning a Christmas card to someone who might be feeling a little blue amid the celebrations. Simply search for Christmas card initiatives being run by your local children’s hospital, nursing home, or defence force support branch. With around one in five older Australians admitting to feeling lonely, you can make a lasting impact in the lives of seniors by sending a handwritten card, all from the comfort of your own home through organisations such as Feros Care and Connected AU. For bonus goodwill, opt to buy Christmas cards from charity organisations such as Oxfam or The Salvation Army.
To read about how you can make your gifts more conscious and ethical, head here.
