The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and generosity. For Christians, it’s also an opportunity to live out the Gospel call to love our neighbour and serve those in need. Inspired by saints like St. Nicholas, St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Mother Teresa, acts of charity during the holidays not only uplift those we help but also bring profound blessings to our own hearts and minds.
In recent years, research has shown what faith has long taught us: giving is good for the soul and the body. Engaging in charitable acts can help improve mental health, reduce stress, and increase feelings of happiness and fulfillment.
Here’s how embracing this approach to holiday giving can benefit both you and those around you:
1. Strengthens Community and Connection
Giving—whether through donations, volunteering, or offering your time—creates bonds of solidarity. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Acts of charity remind us that we are part of a larger body of Christ, united in love and service. Feeling connected to others can reduce feelings of loneliness and strengthen our sense of purpose.
2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, charity offers a chance to step outside our own worries and focus on the needs of others. Studies show that volunteering and acts of kindness release endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, which can lower stress and anxiety levels. As St. Francis of Assisi taught, “It is in giving that we receive.”
3. Fosters Gratitude
Acts of giving help us appreciate the blessings in our own lives. When we serve the poor, visit the sick, or donate to causes that uplift others, we’re reminded of the abundance we often take for granted. Gratitude, in turn, is linked to greater mental well-being and a more positive outlook on life.
4. Deepens Spiritual Growth
Charity is at the heart of Catholic teachings. St. Vincent de Paul, known as the “Apostle of Charity,” devoted his life to serving the poor and taught that through charity, we encounter Christ Himself. By giving during the holidays, we grow closer to God and live out our faith in tangible ways. This spiritual connection provides peace and fulfillment that material gifts cannot offer.
5. Encourages a Spirit of Hope
Giving to others, especially those in need, is a powerful act of hope. It reassures both the giver and the receiver that love and kindness endure, even in challenging times. Whether it’s a small gesture like delivering cookies to a neighbour or a larger commitment like volunteering at a food bank, these acts light a candle of hope in a world that often feels dark. The upcoming 2025 Jubilee will be centred on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” so holiday giving offers us a chance to start kindling the flames of hope now.
How to Incorporate Charity into the Christmas Season
Follow the Saints’ Examples: Take inspiration from saints known for their charity. Host a toy drive in the spirit of St. Nicholas, or cook a meal for the homeless like St. Teresa of Calcutta.
Volunteer Locally: Many parishes and community organizations host events like food drives, meal services, or coat collections. Get involved as a family or with friends.
Practice “Small Acts of Love”: As St. Thérèse of Lisieux taught, even small acts of kindness done with great love have immense value. Write a note of encouragement, offer a listening ear, or donate quietly to someone in need.
Pray for Those in Need: If you can’t give time or resources, prayer is a powerful act of charity. Lift up the sick, the lonely, and the suffering in your daily prayers.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, the ultimate gift of love, let us remember that charity not only blesses those we serve but transforms us as well. By giving generously this holiday season, we not only spread joy to others but also invite peace, gratitude, and spiritual growth into our own lives.
This Christmas, let your giving be a reflection of God’s boundless love—and watch as it fills your heart with joy and purpose.
