The holiday season is notorious for big family reunions, catching up with loved ones, and living the shared joy of Christmas.
Great food, gift-giving, a classic game of backyard cricket; no matter your traditions, the holidays are dedicated to forming memories with those you cherish.
But for many, it’s the season of feeling isolated, alone, and excluded.
However, Wangaratta has shown that the community spirit is just as fervent as the Christmas spirit.
Take the Give a Gift campaign, an initiative aimed at spreading Christmas joy to local children and young people.
Christmas can carry a massive financial burden.
For families already doing it tough, the pressure of curating a memorable holiday experience for your kids can feel suffocating.
This local campaign hopes to switch this perspective, offering support to families during this time and hopefully brightening their outlook.
Community support also comes in non-tangible forms, like the Uniting Church's Christmas Day lunch.
Those alone this Christmas may find some reassurance here, enjoying a delicious Christmas feast and feeling the warmth of being surrounded by your community.
It’s through the kindness of our community that we can truly appreciate the Christmas spirit.
Nothing is more rewarding than being part of these initiatives, and there is plenty of opportunities to do so.
Making a donation to the Give a Gift Appeal (see story page 5), volunteering at a community Christmas lunch (see story page 10), or simply reaching out to those in your circle during the holidays are ways you can be involved in spreading Christmas spirit.
