As many people's thoughts turn to Christmas shopping and what to buy for which member of the family, we all have a tendency to get wrapped up in over spending, over indulging and swapping gifts, rather than considering the real spirit at the heart of Christmas.

Often the hardest time of year for people in need, the festive season can seem a lot less cheery if you're spending it alone or a member of your family is suffering from a serious illness or disability.

As such, many local families are now choosing to give something back this Christmas by making a donation to their local charity or clearing out some space ahead of time by taking last year's clothes and unwanted gifts to their local charity shop.

How can you help?

Charity Christmas cards are an excellent way of contributing to charity and saving money at the same time. Often boasting varied and unique range, your local charity shop should have Christmas cards in stock in the next few weeks if they haven't already.

Making a donation to a charity in someone's name in place of a gift is a quick and easy way to solve your Christmas shopping dilemmas without having to brave the high street. Plus, the charity will put the much needed funds to good use, way beyond the short-term interest of a computer game or DVD.

Are you a business owner or manager? Do you own a local pub or restaurant? Why not host a Christmas charity event? Whether it's a charity Christmas dinner, an business networking event with donations to a local charity or simply a whip round at the office party, there are a number of innovative and creative ways that you can help publicise your business and raise money for a good cause over Christmas.

Local Newmarket charity, St Nicholas Hospice Care helps people with terminal and life limiting illnesses and their families across the region. One of the most well respected charitable organisations within Newmarket, the charity is funded entirely by donations from local families and business and never is this more important than at Christmas.

A small donation from your business, family or friends will help support the essential work the charity carries out across Newmarket and ensure that their much needed care and support is available to local people when they need it the most.

These are just a few of the unique and rewarding ways that you and your family can give something back to the local community this Christmas.

For a full list of charities in Newmarket, visit The Best of Newmarket directory here.