Christmas has always been such a special time for me—a season filled with warmth, giving, and those little moments that make life feel magical. Back home, one of my favourite traditions was taking part in the Giving Tree. My family and I would head to our local community centre, where a beautiful tree stood, covered in tags with wishes from people in need. Each tag was a chance to bring a little joy to someone—a toy for a child, a cosy blanket for someone elderly, or even essentials like food vouchers. It was always such a heart-warming experience to pick out gifts, wrap them up, and imagine the smiles they would bring.
This year feels a bit different. Being an international student means I’m far from home and can’t be part of that tradition, which makes me miss it even more. I think about those December evenings with my family—wrapping gifts together while Christmas music played in the background, sipping hot cocoa, and feeling the excitement of giving. It’s not the same without them, and honestly, it tugs at my heart a little.
But even though I can’t be home, I’m finding new ways to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. I’ve started looking into local ways to give back—whether it’s donating to charities or joining festive activities on campus. It’s different, but it’s also a lovely reminder that the heart of Christmas isn’t tied to one place or one tradition. It’s about spreading kindness and finding joy in giving, no matter where you are, And for me, it will always be about love, generosity, and the magic of making someone’s day a little brighter.