Leave the gluttony with the ghost of Christmas past...
A big part of the warmth and joy that comes with the holidays is the giving. There’s a generosity that permeates the air when this time of year rolls round, and in our opinion it’s one of the best parts of the season. People are a little kinder; they open their doors and their hearts and many adopt the mantra that no one should spend this time alone.
But it’s not only your nearest and dearest who should be on the receiving end of such generosity. Holiday spirit is a privilege to experience, and for many, this can be an especially difficult time. Who better to give to than those whose entire season could be eased by a kind gesture or donation?
So why not spread the festive joy; below are six ways to give back a little this holiday season, from supporting established charities to lending a helping hand to a neighbour.
Give a gift
Not everyone has a present to open on Christmas, but luckily there are charities in every city who accept gift donations for that exact reason. These charities often indicate the types of gifts they are looking for, whether it be toys for children or appliances and clothes for families in need. Once your gift has been accepted, they sort and appropriately donate it to those who will appreciate it the most.
Organisations such as Stadsmissionen and Ensam julgran söker klappar in Sweden, Hjælp Din Næste and Ungdommens Røde Kors in Denmark, Redd Barna in Norway and Hope in Finland deliver donated gifts across Scandinavia every year, but there are likely similar organisations to find in your local community. Be sure to check if they have any gift suggestions, and whether they accept the gifts already wrapped or prefer to wrap them themselves.
Photo: Getty
Donate an old coat and warm clothes
Wintertime is one of the most difficult seasons for those who are unable to protect themselves from the harsh elements of the Scandinavian climate. Some may be without a home, or without the means to buy clothes for themselves or their families.
Have a rummage through your winter clothes and look for something you could part with that might help someone in need. Anything from warm coats and winter accessories, to sleeping bags and gear that protects against the elements could mean a great difference to someone who’s missing the things we take for granted in our own wardrobes.
Charities are often looking for warm clothes, and will outline on their homepage specifically what they are looking for and how to donate. Have a look online for the charities in your local area. Charities with donation centres across the Nordics include Stadsmissionen, The Swedish Red Cross, The Red Cross for refugees and Flyktinghjälpen
Give a thought to those who might be lonely
Christmas can be a tough time for some, particularly those who might have lost a loved one or find themselves alone for the festive period. Consider calling that friend who mentioned they were trying it solo this year. Some elderly folk might find themselves at a loss during this period too. Anything from a letter to a short visit or an offer to lend a helping hand could do a lot to ease this – ask around in your building or on your street, there might be someone spending the holidays alone who would be touched by some care or companionship.
You could even get a group of friends together to make visits around your community. A small gesture, or just the offer itself, could make someone’s holiday.
Voluntärbyrån lists ongoing projects to support the elderly that you can take part in, as does Helsinki Missio.
Photo: Getty
Offer your time
Several charities offer julbord (a Christmas meal) for the homeless, or those without the place or means to have one themselves. Food is always welcome, and volunteers are needed to support the events themselves, so why not be a part of creating a place of community and warmth for those who might need it a little more this year?
Some examples of charities and restaurants that host charitable julbord are
Birkagården’s Gemensam jul, Jul i gemenskap, Urban Deli, who host Christmas dinner for the homeless in Stockholm thirty three days in a row, Alternativ Jul in Oslo and Vapaaehtoistyö in Helsinki. But you will likely also find charities and restaurants in your neighbourhood supporting their community in this way that would be grateful for an extra pair of hands.
Consider an alternative gift
Gift cards are a great way to give if you would like to support someone but aren’t sure of what to buy or donate. Most stores, even food shops, offer gift cards that can help someone through the holiday season. It allows them to buy what they need now and could even help them over a longer period of time too. Check with your local grocer, clothing shop or appliance store.
You can either hand the gift card out yourself, or donate it to a charity who will suitably distribute it. The Red Cross and Flyktinghjelpen even offer the ability to purchase packages of food, water, medicine and warm blankets to get one person, or even an entire family, through the roughest parts of winter.
Photo: Getty Images
Go local
Charities are almost always appreciative of donations which allow them to allocate their resources effectively. They know exactly what they have received and need more of to support the community in the best way they can. Therefore, a donation, big or small, is very welcome and met with gratitude for the ease it provides them with in their wish to help others.
Below are just a handful of the charitable organisations operating across Scandinavia — you likely have one who'd be grateful for donations even closer to home.
Norway
Flyktinghjälpen