The glittering lights and decorations of the festive season tend to outshine the true spirit of Christmas – the joy of giving. But there are unsung heroes who go the extra mile to make the less fortunate feel special, whether by sponsoring meals or spending time with the marginalised.
Their acts of kindness underline the values of compassion, generosity, and selflessness and break down socio-economic boundaries to tighten the fabric of the community.
In conversations with a few of these remarkable people who celebrate the act of giving, we discover their commitment to bringing happiness into the lives of others, one small act of kindness at a time.
Carolling for a cause
Christmas, for me, transcends the usual festivities; it embodies generosity, compassion, and goodwill. A cherished tradition from my childhood was carolling for a cause, combining pure fun and a mission of giving. We carried a decorated shoebox labelled ‘Home for the Aged,’ and our carolling adventures garnered not just donations but the joy of sharing with the elderly.
This tradition has been passed on to my daughter, who, instead of traditional celebrations, visits a senior citizens’ Home with her friends, sharing not just material gifts but empathy.
Despite the holiday rush, my family prioritizes spreading Christmas joy to the less fortunate, making a small but meaningful impact. Through collective efforts, we believe in creating a better world, one small act of kindness at a time.
Poonam Ann Varma, board member, Heal a Child Foundation
Selfless love
Proverb 19:17 reminds us, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Christmas is the spirit of giving without the thought of getting. It is forgetting yourself and finding time for others. We often play ‘Secret Santa’ at work, within our family, and in our circle of friends.
This season, we decided to extend the tradition to underprivileged children, only to realize that all they needed was for us to spend our time with them, and share love, happiness, and joy. It is all about the love you put in while giving wholeheartedly. During this festive season, if everyone would simply do something to show they care, I think we would be amazed at how this world becomes a better place.
— Corina Mary David, corporate employee
Personal touch Christmas, a time of joy and giving, inspires me to make a positive impact by sponsoring meals for the less fortunate. I allocate a portion of my celebration budget to collaborate with local charities, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those facing hardships. Personal involvement during meal distribution fosters community connection, creating a ripple effect, and emphasizes the universal need for kindness.
It transforms the season into an opportunity for meaningful action, embodying the true spirit of Christmas. In the act of giving, I discover the greatest joy of all.
Edwin Emanuel, photographer
Special joy for those with special needs
This holiday season, my family and friends went beyond traditional celebrations, dedicating our time to people with special needs at an institution in Aliabad.
Engaging in activities such as singing carols, dancing, and sharing moments of joy, we realized the profound impact of selfless giving and human connections.
To enhance this experience, we carefully curated a food hamper for the people at the Home. Their overwhelming gratitude taught us that the true magic of Christmas lies in fostering warmth through such acts. The essence of Christmas lies in spreading joy and love to those in difficult situations.
Shalini James, executive assistant, Atlan Technologies
