Salvation Army urges simple, kind Christmas amid pressures
published on 3 Dec 2025
As the countdown to Christmas begins, for many families across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Oxfordshire, and the Channel Islands, the familiar festive excitement is tinged with anxiety. With budgets stretched thin, the pressure to provide a “perfect” Christmas can feel overwhelming. In response, the leader of The Salvation Army in the region is issuing a heartfelt call to remember the quiet, profound heart of the season.
Divisional Commander Major David Alton, responding to the question “Who says we must have turkey at Christmas?”, has released a pastoral message urging families to shed financial pressures and embrace the simplicity, community, and hope at the core of Christmas.
Refocusing on what truly matters
Major David said, “At its heart, Christmas is a celebration of hope and love, centred on the birth of Jesus. We can reflect this in our lives by making the gift of time to each other, remembering that Christmas isn’t about perfection or extravagance, but about togetherness, kindness and the joy of being with one another.”
The message encourages people to look beyond the commercial hustle to the “spirit of giving, sharing, and rejoicing in the birth of hope.”
A message of support and community
Recognising the acute strain many are under, the Divisional Commander directly addresses those who are struggling.
Major David said, “If you’re struggling this season, please know you are not alone—help and friendship are always within reach.”
The Salvation Army across the region is providing practical support, including food and toy assistance, alongside community events designed to offer connection and celebration.
For example, in the streets of Portsmouth on 16th to 18th December the church will, through its Street Ministry, be offering a listening ear and mince pies; in Boscombe, the Salvation Army run homelessness drop in BH 1 Project will be offering hot meals to people who are homeless; and in Bedford, on Wednesdays between 12-1pm, The Salvation Army serves hot drinks, sandwiches, crisps and biscuits. On the final Wednesday before Christmas people coming through will also get a frozen chicken dinner to be used on Christmas day.
Throughout the festive period and year-round, Salvation Army churches and centres continue their work, offering warmth, meals, and companionship.
Major David extends a universal invitation to embrace the true spirit of the season. He calls upon all to participate not through grandeur, but through “simple, yet profound acts of kindness and community.”
This serves as a timely reminder that the most enduring gifts we can offer—and receive—are those of peace, compassion, and genuine presence.
Major David’s final wish for every individual is one of warmth and reflection: “May you find moments of peace, comfort and true happiness. Whether surrounded by family, friends, or quietly reflecting, let the spirit of the season fill your heart with hope.”
The Salvation Army is calling on people to share love and hope this Christmas by donating new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal to help give children a Christmas they deserve. The Christmas Present Appeal helps families who are already making impossible choices between food, heating, and bills Christmas Present Appeal | The Salvation Army.
Every year, thanks to the kindness of our supporters, more than 68,000 Christmas gifts are lovingly shared by many of The Salvation Army churches and centres across the UK. Each one is a message of hope for someone experiencing hardship, homelessness, or tough times. Since 2022, more than 206,000 Christmas gifts have been delivered by The Salvation Army to families who can’t afford to buy gifts for their children.