The excitement of Christmas is fast-approaching, so you’re probably already looking forward to the celebration of the season. With presents to open, delicious food to eat, and parties to attend, it’s easy to get wrapped up with the upcoming glitz of the yuletide time. But getting too absorbed can lead you to forget about the heart of Christmas.
Before you start buying the turkey, making paper chains and decorating the tree, spare a moment of thought for others. Here are three things you should remember this Christmas.
Remember Those Less Fortunate Than You
Many people are not fortunate enough to enjoy the festive season in the way that most families do. The ads on TV might only show happy faces eating large meals in a Christmas wonderland, but far too many do not have that option. People who are homeless can feel exceptionally low and isolated at Christmas. So can those who do not have family or friends to join in with the celebrations. Others simply cannot afford the expense of extravagant food and presents as shown by the fact use of food banks is on the rise.
Give Back This Christmas
There are many ways in which you can give back to less fortunate people over the holiday season. In this modern age of the commercialised Christmas, where it seems mandatory that you have to spend a fortune to have a good time, many people are starting to remember that giving is better than receiving. After all, Christmas is the time of goodwill towards all men and women, is it not? So, remember to help people who are less fortunate over the festive season. You could donate to a charity, or even sign up for a charity sponsorship. For instance, you can sponsor a child with the charity Compassion to provide a child with life-changing support. Your aid would pay for essential things like food, health-checks and education. Alternatively, you could buy a homeless person a meal, or help out with a charity on Christmas day to serve Christmas dinner to the homeless. You could also volunteer your time over the festive period in other ways. For example, you could visit a daycare centre to provide company to older people who are by themselves.
Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-woman-hugging-each-other-1261368/
Spend Time with Your Loved Ones
Although it’s important to remember those who are less fortunate, it’s also essential to remember those people in your life who are special. Christmas time is often a hectic time of trying to fit everything-in. But don’t overlook how crucial it is to spend time with your loved ones. Forget the presents, the food, and what’s on TV. At the heart of Christmas is sharing your time with those that matter. So, find the time to do just that. If you’re spending time with your family at Christmas, make time for your friends as well. And if you’re seeing family members you haven’t seen for a long time, make sure you take the time to reconnect with them. Reconnect with old friends as well. If you have lost touch with people who still have a place in your heart, give them a call or a text to touch base and let them know you’re thinking of them.