'Tis the season to be generous
Christmas is a time of year when people feel more generous through the magic of Christmas spirit; are brought together with a sense of unity, and a time that has many millions of people exchanging gifts. Whether they are big or small, it’s definitely the thought and meaning behind it that counts.
However, the country is currently facing a cost-of-living crisis, where a dire impact will be the fact that this year, some people won’t be able to afford Christmas. Their debate isn’t between which gift they should get for which family member or friend; it’s between whether they want to heat their house amidst this freezing winter weather, or whether they want to have a warm meal or - for some parents - whether they are going to eat, or their children are going to eat. It’s incredibly easy to overlook the issues faced by a growing minority when we are blinded by the twinkling lights and glittery bulbs that distract our attention from the urgent humanitarian problems in our society; but it’s about time that we focus our attention on the reality of Christmas for a concerningly large number of people.
Originally, Christmas was a celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. However, for the majority of the population, the meaning of Christmas has become slightly more faded and secularised. Now – for many, but not all - it is simply a time of year when a lot of money is spent, where because of all this spending some people even find themselves in debt after Christmas. It’s important to recognise that as much as Christmas is a time of celebration and festivity, it is also unfortunately a time when lots of people find themselves facing surreal amounts of economic stress.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues, food prices are constantly rising. People who are hosting this Christmas may feel under heavy pressure to buy a variety of different foods and snacks in order to accommodate for everyone’s likes and dislikes. However, a lot of people simply won’t be able to do this. It is hard enough for some people to afford the essentials, let alone luxuries.
Due to the prices of food causing lots of problems for many people, they may feel inclined to turn to food banks. Recently, I visited Hailsham food bank on a school trip and personally, I found it incredibly insightful to see the inner workings of a food bank and the incredible individuals who keep the system moving and functioning.
In the past, there has been a lot of stigma associated with the need for some to use a food bank, but in the current crisis that we are facing, more and more people will turn to food banks this Christmas. Those who I met at the food bank said that they like to give people treats such as chocolate at Christmas time so that people can celebrate and enjoy themselves as well as everyone else. Food banks are always happy to receive donations - big or small. At our Christmas Jumper day last Friday, students from across the school brought in huge amounts of food donations for the food bank. Everything we can manage to give will make a real difference to someone's Christmas.
Christmas food is incredibly important - but arguably the most exciting part of Christmas for a lot of people is presents. I can imagine that there is a lot of pressure on parents during this time of year. It’s incredibly likely they feel as though they must get their child an amazing present, so they aren’t jealous of their friends who potentially get given an incredibly expensive gift. Unfortunately, I think that lots of parents feel that they have to spend a lot of money in order to feel their child’s gratitude. However, for me, it’s not about how much money is spent, it is about the thought behind a gift. If it is meaningful and special to me then I don’t need an expensive gift - although I won’t be hypocritical and deny that it is nice to receive something on the pricier side. But overall, the thought massively outweighs how much money was spent on a present.
An amazing way to save money this Christmas and also show someone that you care, is to hand-make a gift. Even if it isn’t perfect, that person will know that you put the time and effort into making their gift and that is a beautiful way to show someone that you truly care. Another great option is charity shops. Second-hand items are so interesting as they have had a whole life and story before entering yours. Charity shops are very useful if you are needing to save money - and if you go in at the right moment, you might find something incredible and rare that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else: and that’s what makes it so special.
For those who find themselves in a more comfortable position this Christmas, you could always consider taking some money that you would usually spend on presents and giving it to charity - or you could ask people to give the money that they were going to spend on you to charity instead, as then you know that it is going to a good cause. After all, there is no gift greater than the gift of knowing that you helped someone else in need.
As you’re enjoying your Christmas this year whatever way you choose to celebrate it - or if you don’t celebrate it at all, think about those who are going to struggle this Christmas and don’t take anything that you have for granted. Make sure that you show gratitude to those who buy you gifts and compliment the Christmas dinner, even if the turkey is a bit dry, just to show that you care. Because even though not everybody necessarily celebrates Christmas for the same reasons as in the past, Christmas is more than the food or the presents, it’s about showing that you love and care for those around you.
I hope that you have a fantastic Christmas. Merry Christmas!
Emma Hills, Year 12