Finding community at Christmas
Merry Christmas!
As we’re wrapping up 2025, we’re getting ready for all the incoming festivities. Turkey, carol singing, and strolling through the markets are some of the ways we’ve been enjoying the season. Christmas is also a time for connecting with the local community, wherever you may be. It’s a time for reconnecting with old friends, celebrating the loved ones in your life, and meeting new people to make memories with.
There are so many ways to spread Christmas cheer, so we’ve shared some inspiration to get you started!
Local events
Kent is filled with Christmas fun for all the family, so it’s worth having a look online and on Facebook to find something right for you. There are carol concerts all throughout December, with nativity services and Church celebrations. Facebook groups like Events in Kent also regularly share Christmas activities, and there’s also crafts like wreath-making.
Christmas is a time for enjoying good food, so have a look for community meals, or take a trip round the Christmas markets for all your favourite festive treats.
You can also look at your local library, community centre, or town website for further information.
Giving back to the community
Christmas is a time of giving, an opportunity to show generosity and compassion to those less fortunate than us. This is nothing new; gift giving has been around for thousands of years.
Giving to charity or volunteering helps spread the hope and joy that makes Christmas such a nice time of year. For ideas on how to get involved, have a look at local groups like Kent Volunteers. You can also contact charities like the British Red Cross and The Salvation Army, as these have a range of volunteer opportunities. You could help prepare and distribute Christmas meals, help wrap Christmas gifts to children and families, or help support various Christmas fairs and community gatherings.
Connecting with loved ones
When it’s cold outside, it can be harder to find the motivation to go to social activities. And whilst it can be easier to stay inside, it’s so important to reach out to loved ones, particularly those who live alone. Christmas can be a lonely time for some, especially older adults, and your companionship matters.
To involve loved ones in your festivities, try encouraging them to spend time with the family. Whether it’s decorating the tree, baking shortbread, or driving round to see the Christmas lights, no activity is too small. Even the simplest gestures could mean a lot to someone this Christmas.
If distance is an issue, try a virtual Christmas celebration. Encourage your loved ones to set up a device and invite all the family onto a call to share some of their favourite festive memories. You can also send e-cards, or send short videos letting your loved ones know you’re thinking of them.
Many community centres are now also hosting virtual coffee chats, and festive workshops, so it’s always worth seeing how you can get involved online.
However you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and a great end to 2025! If you’re looking for extra support this Christmas, whether that’s for yourself or a loved one, please get in touch to see how we can help.
