As we enter the season of goodwill, many of us may find ourselves needing to change our festive spending habits from previous years.

With the cost of living crisis having continually surged this year, we might struggle to adopt a generous spirit this Christmas.

And yet, goodwill to our fellow men and women is probably more important than ever this winter.

So, how can we – in the face of financial challenges – continue to show kindness this Christmas?

 

Go ethical

It’s so easy to get caught up in a shopping frenzy at Christmas! Are you aware of how your gifts are sourced?

There are an increasing number of ethical retailers putting people and the planet before profit, and selling anything from clothes to coffee to cosmetics.

Being mindful of just how many items you are buying can be part of an ethical outlook; as they say, less is sometimes more.

Find guides to ethical shops and boutiques – such as ethicalconsumer.org – to help you become more conscious about which marketplaces you buy from this Christmas.

 

Give a charity gift

From sponsoring an elephant to a community youth project, there are a host of charities and organisations you can make a gift to this season.

Simply choose your favourite charity and contact them to see if they facilitate a Christmas gift donation.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to donate your time to a charity this winter? Consider helping at our local food bank, where you might be able to help in delivering festive food packages locally, or wrapping children’s toys to be given out to low-income families this Christmas.

For further information, see https://enniskillen.foodbank.org.uk/

 

Give blood

The NHS made its first-ever amber alert this autumn when blood supplies fell critically low, making urgent calls for donors.

With each donation having the potential to save three lives – as well as serving you a free helping of tea and biscuits – what better Christmas gift could you give that won’t cost you a penny?

Head to https://tinyurl.com/4d64svw5 to find a donation location near you and find out what’s involved.

 

Use your voice

We can all do our bit to help, but joining your voice with others will amplify calls to make change.

Perhaps add your name to a petition, or write to your local MP or politicians?

You can draw attention to the injustice of the cost of living crisis that you’re seeing in your community, and urge those in power to speak up on your behalf.

If you can, arrange a face-to-face meeting to talk about your concerns of poverty in your area.

 

Check in with your neighbours

The festive season can be a lonely time for a lot of people, particularly those who are elderly or live alone.

It sounds obvious, but checking in with our neighbours, even to just wish them a merry Christmas, can make a world of difference.

Make a point this year to call on your neighbours before the festive season runs away.

 

Gift it forward

You don’t have to buy lavish gifts to make someone’s day. Plenty of cafés allow you to ‘pay it forward’ and buy a drink for someone who can’t afford it.

If you’re able, why not gift a stranger a hot chocolate or gingerbread latte this December?

Giving to others is scientifically proven to boost our own mood, too.

 

Seek help with money worries

An increasing number of people are struggling with money, credit and debts this year, severely impacting our mental health.

Don’t let your Christmas be filled with worry – get help today by contacting an organisation like Christians Against Poverty (CAP) for free, expert budgeting guidance and debt help.

Call CAP at 0800 328 0006 (free of charge), or visit capuk.org to find out more.

If you’re in the fortunate position to give to others, you may want to check out CAP’s Christmas appeal at capuk.org/appeals/christmas.

 

Jonathan Hayward is the manager of the West NI Debt Centre, operated by the Enniskillen Presbyterian Church in partnership with Christians Against Poverty (CAP), which is a UK charity with more than 580 services across the country delivering free debt counselling, and money management courses. Both these services are freely available to everyone in Enniskillen. Visit capuk.org to find out more.