Buy gifts, shop for dinner, book flights to escape to the other side of the world. This is how people usually celebrate one of the most anticipated days of the year. For many people Christmas has now become synonymous with consumerism and appearance. And so this very ancient festivity has little by little much of its real meaning. Yet, the desire to rediscover traditions and the true meaning of this day is leading more and more people to decide to live the 25th of December, as well as New Year’s Eve and other holiday days, in close contact with those who need it most. So they become volunteers at Christmas.
Migrants, poor people, homeless citizens. In order to help them, volunteering projects designed for the Christmas period have multiplied. There are many opportunities – and there is no need to go far. So here are some ideas for those who want to try a unique and satisfying experience and rediscover the most authentic sense of the Christmas spirit.
To make even the most needy happy at Christmas, it takes little. For instance, you can make them find a present under the tree! Many shopping centres offer the possibility to buy items to give as Christmas presents. In addition to the classic food products, you could buy some items for the home, or even toys for children. In any case, don’t forget to add a card to your gift pack. This will allow you to do a good deed while shopping for your Christmas menu, for example.
Alternatively, you can join the campaigns organised by the many charities that help the neediest families. In this case, you can find more information at special banquets, which can often be found in shopping centres or city squares.
To help those who need it most during the Holidays there is also another possibility. You can make your time available to support volunteers in soup kitchens. Every city has at least one soup kitchen, and they are always looking for people who are willing to help. You can apply for a wide range of tasks: preparing, setting the table, preparing gifts or serving meals.
There are also associations that organize real Christmas dinners in the open air, in which everyone can participate. The dinners are usually held in the city squares, so that they are easily accessible. Those who wish to do so can volunteer by preparing a dish to offer and serve to others.