I’m feeling well and truly festive as we put our Christmas tree and decorations up at the weekend 🙂

And to top off the festive weekend, we even had snow! SNOW!! It’s very rare that we get snow that actually settles where I live in the South East of  England but we woke up to a blanket of pure white snow on Sunday morning! So beautiful ❤

But there’s more to this season for me than Christmas trees and snow.

Whilst this time of year is a happy celebratory time of year spent with friends and family, eating, drinking and being merry, I can’t help the feeling of sadness that I get when I see  all those people on the streets, homeless and stuck outside in the freezing cold or think of the families that are struggling to put food on their tables and a roof over their heads.

“From 2010 to date, rough sleeping in England has grown by 134%, proving that it is one of the biggest challenges that our society faces.” Homeless Org UK

There are a number of different reasons that a person can end up on the streets; mental health problems, abuse, addiction, even veterans returning from duty that can no longer serve in the Armed Forces can find themselves without a home. Whatever the reason, it’s heartbreaking that this is still the situation in this day and age. I believe that everyone deserves to have a roof over their heads and food in their bellies.

I always stop to give money or buy food and hot drinks for homeless people when I see them but at this time of year, I don’t feel like this is enough.

Unfortunately, I can’t personally house all these people or visit everyone in need but I can help the charities that do have the ability to offer this support.

So, what do I do to help?

There are lots of different charities out there that focus on helping people in need but at this time of year, I tend to donate to The Salvation Army and Crisis as I really believe that they care about the homeless and vulnerable and through our donations, they can help more people in need.

I’m also doing a Reverse Advent Calendar this year and will continue this tradition every year from now on as I think it’s a wonderful idea. Everyone loves advent calendars but the aim of this one is to pop a food item; rice, pasta, cereal, chocolate, etc. or other everyday necessity; toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, etc. into a box or hamper and then take it to a food bank so that they can provide much needed items to the people who really need it.

I am so thankful for the happy and healthy life I live and for all the blessings I have and really believe that I should give something back to those less fortunate and this is just my small way of doing it.

Warmest festive greetings to you all ❤

With love, Tash x