Give a Little This Christmas

I was going to write something about relationships over Christmas. I bet it would have been great: some kind of wry piece about the silly things couples do over the festive period that they would never otherwise dream of doing as their neurotic sides kick in, brought on by the sugar-hit of a thousand Quality Streets; and the humorous how-to-survive-Christmas angle. Bet you’re gutted I decided against it.

Because then I Googled it to see if anyone had done exactly the same thing (not as good as mine, obviously), and not only had it been covered to death as a topic, but people actually took it seriously.

There was some very concerned, caring talk about how Christmas was such a big deal and could impact very negatively on your relationship and you must work very hard to avoid these pitfalls as you snuggle in front of the fire with your presents and your wine and your delicious food.

It was at about this time that I swallowed my own vomit and decided to compile a brief list of things that you can do around Christmas time (or any time, really, but I thought I’d catch you all while you’re basking in the festive glow) that will help other people who actually need some help. You know, for the wonderful majority of you who aren’t too busy fretting needlessly over the extreme big deal that Christmas apparently is.

The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal
The Salvation Army – always doing marvellous work – are running a Christmas Present Appeal for 2010. The idea is that you donate a present or two (new and unwrapped) to one of their drop-off points, which are usually SA stores and Superdrug stores, but there are a few others, too, and then they will distribute them to the surprisingly vast amount of disadvantaged children across the UK who won’t be getting presents from anyone else. The closing date for donations is December 18, so you’ve got a few days. For the full list of present drop-off points, go to the Salvation Army website.

Blood Donation
How often do you give blood? Yes, I know this country makes it nigh on impossible, while at the same time whinging about how there’s not enough blood to go around, but… well, the fact is that there’s not enough blood to go around. So, just once a year, go to www.blood.co.uk, find out where the nearest and soonest blood donation centre opening is for you. Seriously. Just do it.

And while we’re on the subject, register to become an organ donor. Go to www.uktransplant.org.uk; it’ll take you five minutes. It’s one of those things where about 6 per cent of people have done it – but about 90 per cent wouldn’t mind doing it if the opportunity arose. That’s a lot more life-saving potential. Consider the opportunity arisen.

Christmas Volunteers at Crisis
Crisis is a charity aiming to end homelessness, and focuses on various aspects, including education, employment, housing – and help at Christmas. This year they are opening five centres across London from the December 23 to 30, to provide shelter and food along with help and advice. And while Christmas brings out the volunteering best in most, they still need volunteers to help with their regular centres. Check out their website if you would like to volunteer.

Crisis London HQ
66 Commercial Street
Shoreditch
E1 6LT

Tel: 0844 251 0111

Blood and Organ Donation
NHS Blood and Transplant
Customer Services
Colindale Avenue
Colindale
NW9 5BG

Tel: 0300 123 23 23

Salvation Army
3rd Floor
1 Tiverton Street
Southwark
SE1 6NT

Tel: 020 7378 1021

Image by Nina Matthews Photography courtesy of Flickr