7 Different Ways to be Generous this Christmas

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

By now my diary is normally crammed full of events, commitments, carol concerts and a few Christmas parties. But this December 2020, I seem to have lost my diary, unneeded. Blank weeks turn over to more empty spaces as we head towards Christmas Day. Like the rest of the world, the usual plans, invitations, friends and family travelling up and down the country, exchanging presents and hugs are all on hold. 

But we will still remember, rejoice and celebrate our Saviour’s birth this Christmas in different ways and in different circumstances. The space in my diary has created time and energy to think differently about this year and how to share that good news of Jesus coming amongst us. Our front doors may be closed but we can think imaginatively about how to be generous, to bless our neighbours and to give in this extraordinary time.

Here are some practical ideas of things we can do in our homes and local communities.

1. Reverse Advent calendar

 For each day of December, find a cardboard box and put something in rather than taking something out. Food items for a food bank or clothing to give away. On the 24^th or at the end of the month take it to your local food bank or charity shop. 

2. Shop local

This year has been incredibly hard for local and independent shops, so we can try to support them by buying your gifts.

3. Doorstep carols

Suggest an evening with your neighbours to do socially distanced caroling on your doorsteps. You could make up flasks of mulled wine and print out the lyrics of some well known carols.

4. ‘Give away’ your Christmas

Do something really simple on Christmas Day with modest gifts. Add up the amount you will have saved on presents, food and entertaining and donate the sum to a local charity or a cause supporting people at this time.

5. Christmas care packages

Lots of organisations run special outreach schemes for people in real need at Christmas.  Find out what is happening in your area or create your own care packages to deliver to people who may be feeling isolated and lonely during these winter months.

6. Buy gifts that have an added benefit

Several online businesses will donate part of your purchase to helping others in need. When you buy a rucksack at madlug.com they will donate a pack-away travel bag for a child in care.  Madlug are also running a Christmas campaign for young adults leaving care homes this winter. Stand4Socks.com do something similar with socks! Someone who is homeless receives a pair of socks for every purchase made – socks being the most requested item of clothing in homeless shelters.

7. Create an Advent window in a front room

This could be part of a larger community project or you could just create a Christmas scene in a front window. Choose a Christmas carol or part of the Nativity story – there are lots of options and the web is full of ideas and inspiration.

You could involve your neighbours and create a street full, and the day you ‘reveal’ your window you could provide refreshments too for added Christmas cheer.

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