Youth voice – Christmas community cheer

The Christmas cheer is here! Tis the season to put the tinsel on the tree, source some special gifts, get those Christmas carols cranking and treat yourself to a fruit mince pie. However, alongside the delightful Christmas traditions, tis also the season for consumerism, commercialisation and frivolity. Please hear me, I do not intend to be the Grinch who stole Christmas, and decry the shortcomings of the season. Rather, as we embrace the festivities of Christmas, I would love to let you know how we can instead focus our attention on embracing the Christmas spirit from a much more wholesome and life giving community perspective! 

As you get the house ready for Christmas, did you know that you can support youth in the community during the process? Coast Youth Community Trust (CYC) is selling Christmas trees from December 1 to help raise funds for a youth worker. Youth workers help to provide school based mentoring for youth who are facing challenges and just need an extra person in their corner. Make a difference for youth on the Coast and head to Whangaparāoa Baptist Church to pick up your tree.

There are also a number of ways you can support local while shopping for your Christmas gifts? CYC is hosting The Local Christmas Market on Saturday, December 17. This is a fun festive event held in the name of bringing together small local businesses in the community and fundraising for running local youth programmes to improve wellbeing! Check it out, as well as other local markets, to support the development of our local economy and give back during the process.

On the other hand, we know that Christmas can be a difficult time of year. Bills pile up, family may have passed away or be far away, or maybe the impacts of Covid-19 have been challenging. Another charity, Coast Community Trust, in collaboration with Coast Vineyard Church, is spreading some care and cheer to Coasties who may be struggling financially or emotionally and could benefit from a pack made and filled with aroha. These packs feature a variety of festive treats and other food items for recipients to enjoy. If you would like to nominate a Coastie for a pack, then go to www.coastcommunity.org.nz 

Finally, there is nothing like a Christmas feast! Coast Community Trust in collaboration with Love Soup, runs free community meals every month in Silverdale. On Sunday, December 11, supported by the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, you are invited to come together as a community for a free meal made and served with aroha. This meal will be served at Coast Vineyard Hub in Silverdale at 5pm. Let us know you are coming by signing up at www.coastcommunity.org.nz/meals-more

Love Soup is also running the Christmas Day Lunch (HM November 14) to make sure everyone in our community has a place to celebrate the special season with others.  

So as we head into the Christmas season, let’s not forget the opportunity to come together as a community and embrace a spirit of giving. Investing in our community, rather than the latest gadgets and toys, is what brings real joy and satisfaction. 

Sending love to all Coasties. May your Christmas be filled with the hope, joy, peace and love of the season!