A goat or a playstation? One teenager’s view on her Christmas shopping spree

If you want to help a hungry man, don’t give him a fish, give him a net and teach him how to fish.

It’s Christmas morning, you’re six years old, you suddenly realise what should have happened last night, you race your siblings to the living area, and when you get there, under the tree, nothing. Your heart sinks, you look to your parents for comfort, all they can do is love you. For thousands of children living in an L.E.D.C (Less Economically Developed Countries) that’s all they get, however with the increasing development of ‘Self help schemes’ and more charities offering ‘alternative Christmas presents’ there is more that we can do for families in such situations.

As a teenager I find it frustrating rushing around Oxford buying Christmas presents for family and friends on a tight budget, with no inspiration, knowing that there is going to be at least one person that has everything, someone else that thinks ‘Why did they buy me that?’

Yet with a mere £12, I could buy enough building materials for a family in Africa, and with these materials they could make a shelter. Knowing that I have sent such a present would give me, and hopefully the recipient the satisfaction of knowing that the present will be greatly appreciated, letting someone much more worse off than me know that there is someone, somewhere, who cares about you.

So remember when your shopping this year for the person that has everything just think 'alternative'! Sorry Dad, I know it’s spoilt the
surprise!

Zoe is a pupil at Cherwell School and did a week’s work experience with The Door.

For more info contact www.worldvision.org.uk or www.christianaid.org.uk/christmas/gifts.htm  
photo World Vision