What impact will you have this Christmas?

Christmas is a time when families come together, Christmas trees are decorated with ornaments and lights, sumptuous meals are prepared and Christmas carols waft through the air as people go on their last-minute shopping spree. In a sense, Christmas has become all about money and amid it all, it is so easy to lose sight of its true meaning. What can you do this year that will epitomise the true spirit of Christmas?

A definition of a philanthropist is “someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human wellbeing.” This could include giving of one’s time, money and/or reputation to charitable causes. By giving back to your community, missionary organisations, education, sports or arts, you afford yourself the opportunity and indeed the privilege of making a positive impact on other people’s lives. Material possessions will ultimately lose their shine, but through philanthropy, one can make an impact, and can shape or even save lives.

Is there any cause that you have considered supporting? This might be a good time to crystallise this. Review your finances to decide how much you can afford to give; will it be a one-off donation at Christmas or is it something you can continue to commit to year-on-year? Narrow your choices down to a few charities or initiatives that you can identify with and do some research on them to ensure that their ethos and mission are in consonance with your core values; then choose one or two to support. Follow up to see the impact your action is having.

If you are approached to donate, ask a few probing questions and check that the organisation is genuine and properly registered. When people struggle to answer basic questions about the objectives of their initiative, you need to take a step back before parting with your money. There are many unscrupulous people who hide behind a charitable front.

While we all love to see the excitement on children’s faces on Christmas morning as they open their presents, try to emphasise the non-material aspects of the season, such as family, fellowship and thoughtfulness. It is not enough to just tell them to be charitable and kind, our own actions in supporting others or changing lives will speak louder than anything we can say. We must guide them through a programme of action so that it becomes ingrained into their psyche. It teaches them a powerful lesson about kindness and generosity and that their personal money or talent can have a positive effect on the wellbeing of others. It will also show them graphically how fortunate they are; they take so much for granted.

The high cost of living and unemployment means that many Nigerians face a dreary Christmas and cannot afford much this Yuletide season. If you are fortunate enough to have a basket or trolley overflowing with goodies, why not shop for another family that faces really difficult times and then have it delivered to their doorstep.

There are so many people in need of the simple things that so many of us may take for granted. Think about all the food that goes to waste on Christmas day and what a difference it would make to the numerous homeless people who would be glad for a decent meal and some of the cupboards full of clothes you no longer need and will never wear again.

Get a few friends, put some money together and take some gifts and treats to the elderly, who have found themselves in one of a handful of old peoples’ homes in the country, in spite of our extended family system. Cheer them up; the gift of happiness and good stimulating company for an old person, who might be lonely during the holiday season, would make a huge difference.

Do you often reminisce and complain about how things used to be at your old school and how far standards have fallen? Why don’t you do something about it? With an endowed gift, you can provide permanent support for the educational institution. Your contributions will be invested and each year a distribution made to fund the programme or area that matches your interest in a particular field of study. Once it is officially established, you or anyone else may continue to add to the fund at any time. You may also decide to, through the title, forever link your name or that of a family member to excellence at the college. Your contribution will go a long way in improving the standard of education so badly needed in our country.

If you look around, you will find that there is always someone worse off than you are. Giving does not mean that you must give only financially; there are several ways to give meaningfully. The possibilities of giving off your time, experience, talent and intellect are endless and by sharing your knowledge with others, you can add sustained value to your community.

As we get caught up in the whirlwind of festivity, socialising and buying presents, it is little wonder that we often forget the true meaning of Christmas. How can you make a difference? If you haven’t been doing much for others before now, this is a good time to start. As you prepare for Christmas, let us not forget what we have been given; God’s gift of His Son Jesus Christ. This Christmas, let us be a blessing to others. Merry Christmas!

Nimi Akinkugbe