Unwrap Happiness

As the country gears up for Christmas with lights, markets and holiday sales, another quieter celebration is taking place, one that doesn’t involve shopping bags or dinner reservations. Across India, volunteers, community groups and everyday citizens are stepping forward to make sure the Christmas season shines a little brighter for those who need it most.

Food For Thought

Meals do more than merely fill plates, especially for those who cannot afford one square meal a day. Riya Nitnaware (25) starts her day at 5 am on the terrace of her building, sealing meal boxes and stacking them into crates. Riya and a group of volunteers deliver free boxed meals to families living in temporary shelters. “We don’t know their names, but they wait for us,” she says. “And when they smile while taking the food, that’s Christmas for me.”

The drive, run entirely by volunteers, aims to deliver over 1,000 meals this week. For many underprivileged families, it’s the only hot meal they will receive this festive season.

A Perfect Gift

Meanwhile, in Pune, the focus is on gifts. Streets and community centres are stacked with boxes wrapped in colourful paper filled with toys, books, and clothes collected through a city-wide donation drive. Akshay Deshmukh, who has been leading this initiative for over a decade, explains, “Many people think giving is only about money, but it isn’t. Even a small gift can bring happiness and hope to someone who might not otherwise receive anything this season.”

High school student Mahima Joshi, 16, helps sort and wrap the donations. “Every year, we see faces light up when they receive these gifts,” she says. “It’s a reminder that a little effort can create so much joy.”

Strangers’ Secret Santa

Several big metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad have seen a rise in a heartwarming trend of ‘Secret Santa For Strangers.’ Volunteers sign up anonymously to send curated gifts to people in need. “You don’t know who it’s for. They don’t know who it’s from,” says Mumbai student Sameer Naik. “But the happiness is real. It’s like sending kindness into the universe.”

Coordinators share photos of recipients holding their gifts: a blanket, a toy, a grocery kit, and a handwritten card. The reactions, surprise, laughter, and tears are what keep volunteers returning.

The Science Giving

“Acts of kindness trigger the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals,” explains psychologist Dr. Nitya Waghmare. “They lower stress levels and strengthen our sense of connection.” She adds that festive volunteer work often becomes more memorable than parties or gifts. “This biochemistry makes helping others deeply satisfying. The emotional payoff lingers for both the giver and the receiver.”

Young At Heart

Young people are at the forefront of these initiatives. Social media campaigns and youth clubs have made it easier than ever to organise drives, spread awareness, and mobilise volunteers. “Social media helps reach more people,” says Anika Patel, 21, who organised a food and gift drive in Hyderabad. “But the real impact comes from hands-on participation in cooking, wrapping, and delivering. That’s when you see the true spirit of Christmas.”

For beneficiaries, these gestures leave a lasting impression. Rajeshwari (68), a widow, received a basket of groceries and blankets from volunteers. “I live alone, and it is quite difficult,” she says. “This Christmas, someone thought of me, too. I'm very happy.”

Small Gestures, Big Impact

Small acts of kindness can make a world of difference to many people around you. Riya says, “Even if we can’t change the world, we can change someone’s day, and that’s enough.” Akshay Deshmukh adds, “The beauty of these initiatives is that they remind us of our shared humanity. In a world that often feels divided, acts of kindness bring communities together. That’s the true magic of Christmas.”

Season of Goodwill

While the twinkling lights and festive cheer may fade once the holidays end, the impact of these acts endures. Meal drives, gift collections, and Secret Santa initiatives foster empathy, create memories, and strengthen community bonds that last far beyond December.

This season, the story of Christmas is not just in the decorations, parties, or presents under the tree. It is in the hearts of those who give and those who receive. Together, they are weaving a tapestry of kindness, proving that the most enduring magic of the holidays lies in human connection. This Christmas season, communities across India are reminding us that small joys can multiply when shared with others. Simple acts of kindness can light up many lives.

By Veda Pahurkar