Visiting/gifting the lonely on Christmas

[OhGrrrreat]

I just watched a video of a lonely and depressed elderly gentleman who was surprised with a Christmas tree and a choir sung by the local college kids. So lovely to see. He got so emotional and I may have shed some tears myself!

I know that many people, in particular the elderly, feel extra lonely and isolated this time of year and it's heartbreaking for anyone to spend Christmas alone or not to receive a single present.

I don't actually celebrate Christmas as I'm of a different faith but I would love to visit some people in this situation (as I would ne free that day), or at the very least give out some presents. How would I go about finding out who I can help? We've some homeless people we regularly see in town who DC and I have decided to gift a small bag each of food, socks, gloves etc. But it's difficult to find out about vulnerable people who live alone and I guess hidden away.

Some hospitals might appreciate it. There are always patients without visitors....you could call your local hospital and ask about popping in with some gifts for patients without visitors. It's a very nice thing...and you can talk to them for a while too.

That's a great idea. There is a community hospital nearby with some patients having been there a long time. What sort of gifts would be deemed appropriate?

We are quite rural now but I grew up in the local village. Mum was a nurse and we always went to the hospital Christmas Day with her.

Every year two elderly neighbours then came for dinner. One has now passed away, one is house bound. Mum takes her dinner round on a tray these days and sits with her for a while. It really wouldn't have been Christmas without them.

I think for men, things like bathing sets...you know, with nice soap, face wash a flannel and maybe some shower gel or similar will go down well...also puzzle books for people who are able, magazines like National Geographic and for women, also bath things and magazines like The People's Friend fiction specials and puzzle books.

You could bring some extra sweets but a lot of people may not be able to eat them...some may though so it might be nice to have them with you just in case.

My brother was in hospital over Christmas once...and he did indeed have us as visitors but there were a lot who had nobody. A man from the city there (Liverpool) who was a well known local personality and hairdresser came in and gave a lot of nice presents to all the men...he gave bath sets and my brother said he was wonderful....so kind and full of personality....he made a real difference.

moodolph wow your Mother is awesone!

@SoleBizzz that's kind, yes she is pretty awesome. My late grandmother was the same.

My mum sort is the sort of village organiser. Bingo, community film nights, bonfire night, Christmas tees and parties, charity nights, concerts, community lunches etc etc. Transport for medicines and appointments, shopping for people, childcare for people stuck. What else?? Toast club at school, community fair, community show.

Some might say she is a pain in the bum and involved in everything but she's very good actually. My long suffering dad trots along behind helping but never fully sure what might be on today.

I think it's nurse in her, she retired because of cancer and has some need to help everyone.

Thank you for all the suggestions @BillHadersNewWife

I agree you DM sounds awesome @moodolph I've found some of the most caring people I've met even when away from their workplace are nurses and teachers