Give the Gift of Compassion this Christmas
This Christmas, the most meaningful gift doesn’t come wrapped in paper, it comes from the heart. A small act of kindness can make a big difference to someone who’s feeling lonely or overlooked.
For many people, Christmas can also be a deeply emotional time. It can amplify feelings of grief, reminding them of loved ones who are no longer here or traditions that have changed. While the world may seem full of celebration, some carry quiet sadness, and a simple gesture of compassion can help them feel seen, remembered, and less alone.
This Christmas, compassion can be the thread that brings light into someone’s hardest moments. Whether through time, kindness, generosity, or simple presence, every act, no matter how small, has the power to comfort, heal, and remind others they are not alone. Sometimes, the greatest gift we can give is letting someone know they matter ❤️
Compassionate gift ideas for Christmas or any time of year
in your community
- Bake something and share it with a neighbour
- Check in on an elderly neighbour or offer to run an errand
- Leave a kind note or small treat in a public place
- Offer to babysit so a tired parent can rest
Time & presence
- Make a phone call to someone who might be missing loved ones
- Spend time listening, sometimes that’s the greatest gift
- Visit a rest home or hospice (where appropriate)
Giving back
- Donate food, clothing, or toys to local charities
- Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or charity
- Pay it forward, buy a coffee or meal for someone else
Connection
- Reconnect with someone you’ve lost touch with
- Invite a colleague, student, or newcomer to join festive plans
- Include someone who may not celebrate Christmas but values connection
Buy a hospice Christmas bauble
Every year, Farmers stores around New Zealand run a Christmas Campaign in partnership to fundraise for hospice services. Limited-edition hospice Christmas baubles (about $16) are sold in-store with 100 % of the purchase price going to your local hospice. These baubles make a lovely gift or keepsake.
Where can I volunteer this Christmas?
Volunteering at a local food charity this Christmas is a powerful way to support people in your community when they need it most. With food insecurity rising and many families under extra pressure during the holidays, giving your time can help ensure everyone has access to nourishing meals and a sense of dignity at Christmas.
Whether it’s sorting donated food, packing parcels, cooking meals, or helping with deliveries, volunteers play a vital role in making sure support reaches those who need it. Just a few hours can make a real difference, offering not only practical help, but also kindness, connection, and hope during a season that can be especially challenging for many. Below are just a few of the organisations you can volunteer with in New Zealand:
kiwi harvest (NZ-wide)
KiwiHarvest has rescued and distributed over 17 million kilograms of food to hundreds of charitable organisations across New Zealand.
fair food (Auckland)
Every day Fair Food prepares 2,365 kilos of kai and turns leftovers into lifelines for whānau who are doing it tough.
just zilch (palmerston north)
New Zealand’s longest running free store. They rescue food to minimise waste and support food security in the Manawatu.
whare awhina (whangārei)
A social supermarket in Whangārei providing kai support with dignity as well as food rescue and community cafe.