#GivingTuesday: How to donate your time or help a stranger

To encourage more people to help others at Christmas, Tuesday 1 December has been designated as a day for people to do something for a good cause

After the consumer frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people to do something for a good cause (Getty Images)

On average, we plan to spend 10 hours Christmas shopping this year, according to a survey by the research firm Populus. However, even though people agree that the festive season is a time for giving, almost one in three say they are too busy to do something for charity.

To encourage more people to help others at Christmas, Tuesday 1 December has been designated #GivingTuesday. Hannah Terrey of the Charities Aid Foundation explained: "After the consumer frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people to do something for a good cause. It could be as simple as telling a friend about your favourite charity."

The foundation's research suggests that people often regret things they buy in sales, especially if they fall prey to pressure created by the hype around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you are a victim, why not hand your unwanted bargains to a good cause, or even the savings you made by making a wise purchase?

"GivingTuesday is a chance to be part of a global movement for giving," said Ms Terrey. "But people can get involved in other ways too – by donating their time or helping a stranger."