Christmas is a time for giving, and it’s always nice to do something positive, small acts of kindness, or giving what you can in some way at this time of year. This post isn’t going to be suggesting that you donate huge amounts of money, or to do anything that isn’t doable within your means. The cost of living crisis means times are harder than ever for all of us, so always do what you can. Here are some simple but effective Christmas good deeds for over the festive season.

Clear out your wardrobe, kids toy box, or bookshelves and donate anything still in decent condition to a charity shop rather than throwing them out.

If you can, buy an extra takeaway coffee or muffin for the homeless. Speaking of coffee, if you’re at the coast, Cullercoats coffee are making donations to Cash For Kids NE for every coffee purchased.

Cash For Kids NE are doing their thing again this year, to help disadvantaged families ensure that every child in the North East wakes up to a present on Christmas morning. Many local businesses are taking part, and you can do so online here too.

Instead of sending Christmas cards donate to feed the homeless. Some good places to make donations are Crisis.org, or The People’s Kitchen.

If you have a real Christmas tree, St Oswald UK are offering a great service that will not only donate to their cause but also help you dispose of your tree after the festivities. For just a suggested donation of £10, they will collect and recycle your tree to save you a trip to the tip. Find out more on their Tree-cycle on Instagram here.

Money is tight for everyone, some people will really be feeling the pressure when it comes to buying gifts. Instead of presents tell people you’d rather just go for a drink with them when we can.

Say Merry Christmas to strangers, especially retail staff! Tip your servers more than usual too.

Get baking something delicious and share with friends and family.

Donate to a local food bank, a quick google of ‘food bank near me’ will bring up all your closest. In Newcastle donate here.

Double check that people are ok. You never know what people are dealing with, so small things like this can make a big difference to how someone is feeling without you even realising.

Do your share of the housework, all those extra decorations mean more dust, all the extra food means more dishes.

Send a handwritten thank you to someone who has been there for you this year, but a call, text or email will do.

Take pet food or toys to your local animal shelter.

Drop a tin of chocolates or biscuits off at your local care home, hospital, police station, fire station, supermarket customer service for the staff room etc.

Where possible shop local, you can tell just how much this matters to small businesses. If you aren’t shopping then there are plenty of other ways you can support local businesses and creators…

So there’s 15 simple Christmas good deeds that we can all do at least a few of this festive season. T’is the season to be kind and no act of kindness is too small.

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