12 Days of Giving – spread joy to older people this Christmas

The festive season is a time of joy, giving, warmth, and connection. But for many older people – especially those living far from family or facing financial hardship – the festive season can be a time of loneliness and anxiety.

Let’s turn that around by committing to 12 Days of Giving – a simple, heart-warming guide to sharing the true spirit of the season with those who need it most. Whether it’s a meal, a handwritten message, or simply a moment of shared laughter, every act counts.

Day 1: Donate a festive meal

For most of us, a special meal is synonymous with Christmas Day. But elders who have to make do on a small government Old Age Grant often can’t afford to splash out. Tafta makes it easy for you to spoil an elder with a traditional lunch, companionship and holiday cheer.

Get behind our Christmas meal appeal, aimed at ensuring that every single one of our residents enjoys a special festive lunch. Start the 12 Days of Giving with a contribution of any amount towards this heart-warming initiative.

Day 2: Spread some Christmas cheer

Are you one of those people who accumulates more and more festive decorations with every passing year? Spend an hour sorting through the tinsel, baubles and ornaments and donate those you no longer use to an old age home or elderly neighbour.

Or, if you’re good at sewing or crafts, make some Christmas decorations to bring cheer to someone who can’t afford expensive store-bought décor.

Day 3: Bake and share – cookies, cupcakes, fudge or whatever you know how to make

Pop your baked goods into jars, fasten a festive ribbon round the lids and deliver these special gifts to someone Santa might have forgotten – like an elderly neighbour or someone living in a Home.

To make your gift even more meaningful, add a card with festive greetings and a short message of hope or encouragement. Many elders treasure handwritten cards long after the holidays end, reading them again whenever they need a reminder that someone cares.

Day 4: Volunteer an hour of your time

Our elders often comment that companionship is the greatest gift of all. Could you give one or two hours of your company to a lonely elder? Whether you build a jigsaw puzzle together, play cards, read aloud to them, or simply sit and chat, your presence creates moments of connection that linger long after you’ve gone.

Day 5: Drop off a small gift at an old age home near you

It doesn’t have to be extravagant to bring joy. Thoughtfulness – not price – is what makes these gifts special. A tube of hand cream … a pair of socks … a puzzle book or magazine makes a lovely surprise that can really brighten someone’s day.

Gifts of toiletries are the most requested items among elders in need. Hygiene packs of soap, deodorant, toothpaste, facecloths, shampoo, disposable razors and body lotion restore dignity and leave elders feeling fresh and cared for.

Day 6: Provide transport for an outing

Many elders rely on organised transport to attend medical appointments, go shopping, or attend social gatherings. Driving an elderly family member or neighbour to and from these activities helps them stay involved and engaged.

Day 7: Get vocal

If you sing, play an instrument, or just have a favourite festive playlist, we can help you organise a carol singing session at one of our Tafta homes.

Get a group of friends together and share your favourite festive songs with our elders. Music has a wonderful way of uplifting spirits and bringing back memories of happy times gone by.

Day 8: Donate a grocery voucher

Help pensioners buy essentials groceries – or rare treats like a packet of biscuits or a chocolate bar – by gifting them with a supermarket voucher.

You can buy virtual vouchers from Computicket and send them to an older relative or neighbour via WhatsApp. Or organise a delivery to a retirement home through a service like Checkers 60.

Day 9: Host a tea or treats table

Biscuits, cake, or a simple cup of tea shared in good company can make an afternoon feel festive. Speak to us about hosting a tea table at a Tafta residence. Or invite elderly friends or neighbours to tea at your own home. It’s an easy, uplifting way to spread cheer.

Day 10: Offer a helping hand

Elderly neighbours may appreciate a helping hand with replacing burnt out light globes, clearing gutters, sweeping the driveway, washing curtains or other household chores they can no longer manage themselves.

Day 11: Care for peers

Elders don’t always have to be on the receiving end – they also have ‘gifts’ to give. Small acts of kindness – like checking in on someone who may be feeling down, sharing a homemade treat, watching TV together or offering a friendly ear – can strengthen community spirit and remind everyone that giving flows both ways.

Day 12: Make a Christmas donation in lieu of a gift

Instead of buying a gift for a loved one, consider making a festive donation to Tafta in their honour. Not only does it support our efforts to ensure elders enjoy a life worth living, your loved one will enjoy all the satisfaction of helping someone in need.

How can you join the 12 Days of Giving?

You can choose one day, several days, or all twelve – every action, no matter how small, helps create a safer, kinder, and more joyful festive season for elders who rely on Tafta’s support.

If you would like to participate, donate, or arrange a volunteer activity, please contact us via email at info@tafta.org.za.

This December, let’s bring light and warmth to every elder’s festive season – one day, one act of kindness, and one open heart at a time.