It may not smell like roasted chestnuts, pine or snow in Australia, but Christmas is just around the corner (can you believe it!). We’ve pulled together a list of activities to get the whole family into the Christmas spirit and support a good cause while you’re at it.

1. Take a photo with Santa

Nothing says Christmas more than a visit to Santa. Our friends at Scene to Believe will be at Martin Place from Sunday 24 November until Christmas, where you and your loved ones (or even your furry friends) can visit Santa for a special Christmas photo.

For every photo taken, $5 will be donated to Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) to support kids in hospitals across the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. Capture the magic and book your Santa photo in here.

2. Decorate your house 

If bright lights are your thing, why not light up your house and fundraise for sick kids this Christmas? You can also team up with your neighbours and register your street. Register your house (or street) at www.lightsforkids.org.au.

3. Visit Christmas lights  

If decorating your house is not for you, why not visit some of the festive streets around Sydney. Our Lights for Kids map lists some of the best lights in Sydney, all of whom are lighting up their houses to create a brighter Christmas for sick kids. 

4. Christmas shopping!

Ok this one may be more for you than the kids, but if you love buying gifts for loved ones (or a little treat for yourself) we’ve got some great ideas for you.

• With rich dark chocolate, maple syrup and hazelnut praline flavours and $1 from every sale being donated to SCHF, Bear & the Beard coffee from Seven Miles Coffee Roasters is a great gift for the coffee lover in your life.  

• For those with a sweet tooth, Butterboy Cookies have launched an SCHF Cookie! It's packed with fudgey goodness, and $1 from every cookie sold will go towards SCHF. Keep an eye on @butterboycake on Instagram for all the details. 

• Looking for something to make your home cosy? This Ecoya Special Edition peach x patchouli candle is the perfect addition to your home this festive season.  
• Finally, wrap it all in BIG W Wrapped with love wrapping paper, designed by kids in hospital care with funds going back to hospitals that cared for them.
  

5. Sing your lungs out at a Christmas carols concert 

SCHF is so proud to once again be the official charity partner of City of Sydney’s annual Sydney Christmas.  There are a range of activations happening including several Christmas Concerts where you can bring the family, sing a long, and even get a photo with Santa. Check out the full list of concerts here. 

6. Visit a Giving Machine to give back

Giving back has been made easier thanks to Giving Machines located across Sydney. Visit one of the Giving Machines in Westfield Bondi Junction, Castle Towers and Macarthur Square to donate directly to SCHF and help change the future for sick kids this Christmas.

Just by adding even one of these activities to your Christmas to-do list you can not only create cherished family memories but you can help change the future for sick kids. So, gather the family, embrace the holiday cheer, and let your festive outings become a gift that keeps on giving.

Unable to make it? Donate now to help change the future for sick kids this Christmas.