So apparently it’s Christmas time again. Are you also wondering how that happened and where the last 12 months disappeared to?
It’s usually a time of year I get excited about. The Joker thinks I’m a bit strange – the only thing he really likes about Christmas is the parties and the beer, oh, and the food. He loves roast turkey, ham (he baked an awesome ham last year with some kind of honey bourbon marinade) trifle and lemon meringue pie.
But I love the festivity, I love the Christmas carols (okay, some are better than others), I love the Christmas trees, the decorations, the food and the presents. I LOVE giving presents. I love wrapping presents. I love thinking about what people might like and trying to find it. And I love seeing all the presents piled under the tree. Most of all I love the spirit of giving and caring.
But this year we have decided to give Christmas a miss – or that’s what I thought. We are living in a Buddhist country after all so I didn’t think there would be much festivity happening. Turns out I’m wrong. There are Christmas trees going up all over town. Some are quite elaborate. The tinsel is out and the lights are sparkling.
But we are giving presents – or the traditional kind of presents – a miss. For the last few years I’ve been more about the gift of the experience. I think there is a lot more value in an experience than there is in stuff. Let’s face it we all have so much stuff. But living in Cambodia and with the work we do it is so evident that we really don’t need all the stuff we gather in our lives. And there are people who could really benefit from even a small amount of money we spend on all the commercial aspects of Christmas.
I’m not suggesting you give up the gift of giving to loved ones – because honestly there is so much joy in giving people presents – but perhaps give fewer gifts or spend a little less. And maybe think about giving a gift of a different sort to strangers.
My friend Lisa, who came to visit in October, has embraced this idea and said her family is buying smaller gifts and will spend money on helping others.
“I recently returned from a fabulous trip to Cambodia, and was keen to show my support to the community,” she said.
“They have been through so much and too many people there still don’t have access to things we take for granted, like running water and electricity.
“So I spoke to my family about simplifying our Christmas this year and sponsoring a well for a Cambodian family instead of buying lots of presents.
“They loved the idea so there will be a money box under our Christmas tree with our donations. It’s nice for our family to be able to do something practical that will make a positive difference to the lives of a family in Cambodia.”
I think it is a lovely idea and there are so many ways we can all do something like this and give the gift of giving. If you’re stuck for ideas, here are a few that might interest you:
CAMBODIA (okay we admit being a little bit biased but there is so much need in this country and a little goes such a long way).
Volunteer Building Cambodia
You can contribute to the cost of a house, sponsor wages, buy a well, donate money for a toilet or provide money for a bike, enabling children to get to school or adults to get to work. The families VBC helps are very poor with incomes sometimes as low as $30 a month.
Green Gecko
This wonderful project supports 70 children, most of whom used to work on the streets or beg. They have been removed from this vulnerable environment and given the opportunity to have a quality education and a place to live in a nurturing and healthy environment. You can go shopping on their online store to buy a gift or you can sponsor a gift for the Gecko family. They cater to all budgets.
This program supports at risk children with a loving home, a quality education, health and nutrition and an opportunity to be a contributor to the future of Cambodia.
What I love about TFC is not just everything they do for the children but they are also taking care of grandparents in the community through their diamond program. There are opportunities to sponsor a diamond, donate to the organisation and they have a wishlist on the website if there is something you specifically want to donate.
Tabitha Foundation
The Tabitha Foundation works across Cambodia giving support to some of the nation’s poorest families. Your donation can make a real difference to the lives of many.
AUSTRALIA
KMart Wishing Tree
I think this is a lovely initiative. You still get to buy a present, wrap a present and put it under the Christmas tree. You can work within your budget and there are a variety of age groups to choose from.
Street Swags
Homelessness is increasing across Australia and this wonderful organisation provides basic waterproof shelter to many people living on the streets. You can contribute by buying the Street Swags Christmas album, compiled by some of Australia’s most talented country artists or you can make a donation.
Drought Angels
Drought Angels is an arm of the Chinchilla Family Support Centre. It provides much-needed support to farming families in need through food packages for families or feed for livestock. It also supports those in need in and around Chinchilla. You can visit the website and the Facebook page for more information.
Make-A-Wish
Don’t you just love the spirit of this organisation? How could you not love something that grants wishes? Make-A-Wish Australia grants wishes to children with life threatening diseases. Check out the website for more information.
Sunny Kids – ssponsor a child
Sunny Kids is a Sunshine Coast-based organisation that aims to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage. Through this program you are able to sponsor a child, providing health, education, emotional and economic support and stability to young people.
AROUND THE WORLD
Lucky Iron Fish
I have to say, this is one of my favourites. Such a simple idea that can make such a difference. It’s also an affordable option for many people or families. It’s estimated iron deficiency affects more than 3.5 billion people worldwide. These simple iron fish, which have been designed to a specific size and weight are put into a pot of water and boiled. The amount of iron released into the water is enough to improve the iron content for those who are deficient.
Fred Hollowes – the gift of sight
The gift of sight can change a life. Such a simple thing that can mean people can lead productive lives. There are a variety of options to choose from on the donations page.
Against Malaria
Malaria kills more than a million people each year – 70 per cent aged under five years. A longlasting insecticidal net costs a mere $3. This is a very affordable gift that can save a life or prevent serious illness.
These are just a few ideas. I imagine there will be many ways you can support your own community. Let us know how you share the gift of giving.
Klipdrifters says
This is a great idea, Christmas is all about giving and helping others.
Sam Walker says
Thanks Klipdrifters. Yes, it is about giving and caring and thinking of others. And a small amount of money can go such a long way.
swell conditions says
I like your thoughts and agree about giving more back to those who need it more!! Thanks for the links too, I’ll be checking some of those out myself!
Sam Walker says
Hi Swell Conditions. Thanks for visiting. Glad some of these resonate with you. Some people are doing great things out there.
NYG@NaughtyYogaGirl.com says
Love your post and love to connect with people all over the world. Thanks for sharing this – I had never heard of some of these organizations.
Sam Walker says
Hi Naughty Yoga Girl. Thanks for checking the post out. There are so many wonderful organisations out there. These are just a few that we have heard of and like.
Dom says
Great, uplifting post!
Sam Walker says
Thank you Dom!
Theresa says
Thank you for writing this. A great reminder that Christmastime doesn’t have to be just presents that fit under a tree. <3
Sam Walker says
Thanks Theresa. Yes, there are so many ways we can give and some of them are far more appreciated than the gifts under the tree. Have a wonderful Christmas.
riddhi says
what a wonderful christmas spirit!
Sam Walker says
Thank you Riddhi. It doesn’t take much to have a bit of Christmas spirit. It is what makes Christmas.