News

Positive, priceless ways to spread a gift of joy this Christmas  

Did you know — our modern-day Santa Claus grew from the story of a generous joy-giver. St Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop in Myra, a town in present-day Türkiye (Turkey), was renowned for his generosity.

As the story goes, St Nicholas came from a wealthy family and lost his parents when he was very young. He dedicated his life to helping those in need, often performing his acts of kindness in secret. One famous story tells of how he saved three poor sisters from a life of hardship and slavery by secretly throwing bags of gold through their window.

While few of us today have bags of gold to share, we certainly can share from hearts of gold, and spread some joy this Christmas.

Wouldn’t it be lovely if — on our own or with our kids, family, friends, sporting club, church, or other groups — we decided to share the gift of joy with others this Christmas? Who knows how much brighter the world could become as we care for each other in meaningful ways?

Here are 10 ways to light up someone’s Christmas with joy:

1. Volunteer your time: A priceless gift

Volunteering is a powerful way to spread joy. By giving your time and skills, you can create a ripple effect of happiness. Whether it’s helping out at a local community lunch, assisting with Christmas toy and food distribution at your local Salvation Army, or visiting an aged care home to chat with people who have no Christmas visitors — the opportunities are endless.

Volunteer with the Salvos

2. Share your talents: A unique contribution

Everyone has a talent or skill that can bring joy to others. Whether you’re a musician, artist, handyperson, or cook, sharing your unique gifts can bring immense happiness and joy to those around you. Join a local Christmas carols choir, paint a mural for a community centre, offer to fix things for neighbours, or cook for a family in need. Your talents, when shared, can create deeply meaningful moments of joy.

3. Give thoughtful gifts: Tokens of love and appreciation

Thoughtful gifts that bring joy don’t have to be expensive. The best Christmas gifts are those that show you’ve taken the time to think about the recipient’s likes and needs. A bunch of flowers from your garden or a second-hand book that you think someone would really enjoy can mean the world. Thoughtful gifts show you care and give happiness and joy to both the giver and receiver.

4. Spread positivity with encouraging words and actions

Positive words create an environment of joy. This Christmas season, start a habit of speaking positively with those around you — challenge yourself to give at least one encouraging comment each day. Try to compliment a co-worker or someone serving you in a shop, send a thank-you note, text a Bible verse to a friend, or simply express gratitude to someone who has made a difference in your life. The same applies to social media. The world has enough negativity — so if you are going to post, why not create joy and post positively?

5. Bring people together: Organise or invite others to an event

Community events are a wonderful way to spread joy and build connections. You could organise a neighbourhood potluck meal, a community cleanup, or a Christmas-themed event through your church or club. The Salvation Army hosts Christmas community events and church services, which offer an opportunity for people to find connection and to invite others along. Celebrating Christmas with others fosters a sense of connection and joy.

6. Offer a listening ear: Be present for others

Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is your time and attention. Offering a kind ear to someone who needs to talk can be incredibly important. Whether it's a friend going through a tough time, or a stranger who needs someone to listen — being present and showing empathy can bring great comfort and joy to those who need to be heard.

7. Create joyful memories: Happy activities with loved ones

Sometimes life gets busy and we miss moments of joy with those we are closest to. Why not plan activities that create joyful memories with your loved ones? Whether it’s baking Christmas cookies, going on a walk in nature, or having a Christmas-themed home movie night — these moments of togetherness are priceless. Shared experiences build strong bonds and create lasting joyful memories.

8. Support a cause: Make a significant difference

Supporting a cause you believe in can bring you and others immense joy. Whether it’s donating toys, time or more to The Salvation Army during the festive season, participating in a fundraiser, or advocating for a cause — your efforts can make a significant difference to others. Knowing that you’re contributing to a greater good can bring a deep sense of purpose and joy to your life too.

Donate/fundraise

9. Practise random acts of kindness: Surprise someone with joy

Random acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day in unexpected ways. Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line, leave a kind note for a stranger, offer to return a shopping trolley, give up a seat on public transport, or offer to pray for someone if they are open to it. These small, spontaneous acts can create a big impact and spread happiness and joy far and wide.

10. Embrace all that is lovely about Christmas: Joy to the world

Christmas is the time The Salvation Army celebrates the joy that Jesus brings. When Jesus was born on the first Christmas, an angel announced his birth saying, "Don't be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people" (read more in Luke 2 in the Bible).

Although all the tips listed above will spread kindness, love and joy to others, the gift of joy from Jesus goes much deeper. The joy that Jesus brings is anchored in the belief in God's goodness and the hope we can cling to, even in the toughest times.

Find out more about the joy that Jesus offers this Christmas

So here at the Salvos, we wish you a joy-filled, meaningful Christmas. We warmly invite you to embrace what brings authentic joy and to extend this gift of joy to others. Together, let's create a ripple effect that touches hearts and transforms lives this Christmas.  

And the best part? Joy is like a circle — when you give it away, you receive it back, often in the most unexpected and beautiful ways.