November 29, 2025 – Pasig City, NCR, Philippines

As shown in the Gregorian calendar, December is the twelfth month that signals the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. As the final month, everyone anticipates the best time to celebrate after a year of hard work. But it’s not just another month with 31 days; it’s a festive season as well. Known for cheerful holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, it’s no coincidence that selfless individuals think it’s a prime opportunity to help others, especially those who are in desperate need. Due to the alignment of the holiday spirit of giving and increased community needs during the Yuletide season, many people tend to become good Samaritans. All these factors make this month extra special for both the giver and receiver.

December is a time of altruism—the unselfish concern for the welfare of others—which is deeply connected to the Christmas season. It is the month when the sun passes through the constellations of Sagittarius and Capricorn. Whether this astrological phenomenon has any correlation with people’s big-heartedness or not, an air of optimism and a glimmer of hope that pervade this festive period naturally foster a sense of goodwill and kindness, motivating more people to seek volunteer opportunities and give back to their communities.

There are several good reasons why December is considered an excellent time to volunteer.

Best Season for Generosity

In the Philippines, December starts the cool, dry season, which lasts until February. During this period, many charitable organizations, such as residential care centers, orphanages, nursing homes for the elderly, rehabilitation centers, and other NGOs and foundations that support disaster relief operations, experience a surge in demand for their services, as more people face hardship during the cold months and the holiday season. At the same time, many middle-to-upper-class Filipinos feel generous and hand out food or give some change to homeless people in the streets of metropolitan cities. For those who have more time, they get connected to charitable institutions and offer donations, providing basic needs for poor people. In fact, according to worldmissionmagazine.com, a global survey revealed, “the Philippines ranked fourth, with 44% of respondents saying they had volunteered in 2024. The Philippines ranks 30th out of 142 countries in overall generosity, with nearly seven in ten adults reporting they helped a stranger in 2023 and 24% saying they donated.”

International and National Recognition

December 5th is International Volunteer Day (IVD), designated by the United Nations to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism worldwide. This day helps raise awareness and highlights the contribution volunteers make to peace and development. In our country, the entire month of December is declared as National Volunteer Month (NVM). This official recognition emphasizes the value of volunteer work in nation-building and community development, encouraging citizens to participate.

In the celebration of NVM last year, the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines asserted, “The culture of volunteerism is a proud legacy of the Filipino people and a testament to the ‘bayanihan’ spirit. Volunteers play a critical role in development, contributing their time, effort, and resources to those in need, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals and communities.”

Mental and Emotional Health Benefits

There’s a study conducted by psychologists that shows acts of kindness and volunteering are scientifically shown to boost an individual’s own happiness and health, providing intrinsic motivation to help others. Key findings show that helping behavior is linked to individual well-being. In relation to that, it reduces stress and depression, combats loneliness, improves social skills, and increases longevity. Moreover, any voluntary act to help others can lead to increased happiness, better social connections, and enhanced self-esteem. For many, volunteering during this time provides a chance to connect with others and feel part of something bigger, which aligns with the community-focused nature of the holiday season.

Holiday Spirit and Tradition of Giving

Every year, we remember the day the Son of God was born on Christmas Day. As our predominantly Christian nation celebrates this season, starting in September up to January 6th, we also reminisce about the Magi, or the Three Wise Men, who brought special gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus, the savior of all mankind. Their act is widely considered the origin of the tradition of Christmas gift-giving.

Over time, this selfless tradition expanded and evolved, with influences from other historical figures like St. Nicholas and holiday celebrations like Saturnalia also contributing to its development. And with the popular narrative of stories like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, it also reinforces the message of charity and the spirit of generosity and love.

While December is a popular time for giving and sharing time and resources with others, organizations highlight that help is needed year-round. It’s often recommended to start volunteering in the preceding months to gain experience and provide consistent support during the holiday rush. But whether it’s the opportunity to cheer others, build a sense of purpose, or become part of a gift-giving community, volunteering is guaranteed to make one’s life more meaningful and happier.

The popular adage attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi says it all—for it is in giving that we receive.

So, do you want to volunteer this holiday season? Good news! You can volunteer your time by signing up for events listed on the site. Or you can grant the wishes of our volunteer partners and make someone’s Christmas a merry one. Just contact iVolunteer PH and be a volunteer!

An article by Santy Floralde