It’s the season of goodwill – but does anyone actually give back at Christmas?

In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the uncharitable Ebenezer Scrooge is transformed – by the terrifying visitations of three spirits of Christmas – into a kind and generous man.

The festive period, the Victorian tale tells us, should be a season for charity and goodwill.

But how much do people really give back during advent? Big Issue took to the streets to find out.

Read more:

• Choose joy this Christmas
• How much will you spend on Christmas?
• Why you should spare a thought for young trans people this Christmas

Do you give back to the community at Christmas?

Raluca: No, I’m not going to lie to you. We used to do all of this this volunteering when we were younger, like in school and everything, and it was much easier. But when you’re older, you really got to organise by yourself, which is a bit harder, especially when you have other responsibilities. And it’s very sad. But maybe we can think about it.

Tom: Yes, we do lots of charitable things. The Smile Train, Salvation Army, lots of charities. Giving, mostly giving.

Vinca: I have done things like that in the past [volunteering at Christmas], and I think it’s very important in these times, especially when there are so many people that are in need, and so much immigration nonsense going on. We need to help our fellow human beings and do anything we can to make them have a better time on Earth. That’s what it’s all about, and that is what Christmas and the holiday time is about.

Anna: When I was 15 or 16, I was like, volunteering with some kids at the local library. We were just doing like, little games and singing for Christmas and that. I haven’t done that since, so maybe I should… but I don’t, and I feel awful about it!

Tilly: My family’s not big on Christmas. I don’t know, we kind of just use it as an excuse to drink! Not just drinking… family, friends, showing love.

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