Christmas comes but once a year and, when it does, it’s all too easy to get wrapped up in cocktail parties, finding that perfect Christmas tree, or ensuring you’ve got a turkey big enough to feed the 5000. It’s easy to forget what Christmas is all about when there’s so much other fun stuff going on.
That’s why we’ve decided to do things differently and focus on what we think is most important at this time of year – giving. But we’re not talking over-the-top, bank-busting gifting. We mean thoughtful, socially-conscious, ‘paying it forward’-style giving; the type that gives you good karma. If you want to join us in sending out those positive vibes, read on for our top five list of things you can give this Christmas. These ideas don’t cost top dollar, but they will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, we promise!
1. Give a socially-conscious gift
It’s inevitable that you’re going to have to buy presents, so why not do a good deed at the same time? We heart the idea of buying a snazzy gift that also benefits local communities and individuals in need. For instance, check out this list of affordable stocking fillers compiled by Asia for Good. Featuring handmade chocolate, cute hand painted mugs, beauty products and more, it’s a one-stop-shop for last minute trinkets. You can sleep soundly knowing that each purchase helps to improve the lives of Indonesian farmers, women-at-risk in Hong Kong, and even the homeless here in Singapore (to name a few). Feeling fuzzy yet?
2. Give people a second chance
Living in Singapore, we feel as though we’ve hit the jackpot in the lottery of life. It’s safe, the sun is always shining (most of the time!), and we’re surrounded by awesome people #winning. But it’s easy to forget that not everyone has been dealt the same peachy cards, which is why we think the peeps at Yellow Ribbon do a stellar job in giving ex-offenders a second chance at life. Many of the inmates lack the support of their communities and essential workplace skills to reintegrate successfully back into life outside. You can get involved with this initiative by volunteering and helping inmates make the right choices once they’ve served their time. Give someone a second chance and help get their life back on track.
3. Give your time
Hands up if you’re one of the lucky ones getting to spend Christmas surrounded by friends and family this year. Spare a thought then for migrant workers who often have to spend the season away from home. Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to get more involved in the local community by volunteering? There are numerous social enterprises listed on Asia for Good that could use your help and SDI Academy (a social enterprise that offers English language courses to migrant workers to help them integrate) is one of them. If you’ve got some free time on your hands, then why not?
4. Give the gift of life
More than 100,000 units of blood are required by patients in Singapore each year; that’s a lot of transfusions. Help them by donating your blood this Christmas through the Health Sciences Authority blood banks – that’s literally the gift of life!
5. Give your old stuff
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure! Clear out your cupboards, children’s toy boxes and book shelves, and donate those pre-loved gems to a worthy cause. While there are lots of charity shops island-wide, we have a soft spot for MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled Singapore) having discovered them via Asia For Good. Take a look at their list of shops here and start that clear-out!
This article is sponsored by DBS.