On chilly December evenings, when streets glow with fairy lights and the air smells faintly of plum cake and warm laughter, Christmas begins to weave its familiar magic across India. 

Children rush to decorate trees, handwritten wish-lists flutter under magnets on refrigerators, and the anticipation of Secret Santa gifts turns offices and homes into little pockets of joy. 

But beyond the pretty boxes and glittering bows, there’s a quieter, deeper version of Secret Santa unfolding, one powered not by chance, but by choice. Instead of gifting within circles of friends or colleagues, thousands across the country are stepping out to bring a smile to children and families who rarely feature on anyone’s gifting list.

Across cities and small towns, communities, student volunteers, and everyday citizens have begun embracing the true spirit of Christmas with compassion, dignity and shared humanity. 

These Secret Santas don’t arrive on sleighs; they arrive with toy kits, school bags, warm clothes, books, and little bundles of hope. 

Their generosity is helping children with disabilities, those living in shelters, and families on the margins experience the festival’s warmth in ways they may have never imagined.

Here are some of the organisations turning Christmas into a season of kindness — and how you can join their circle of giving:

Every year, Bhumi turns gifting into something........

© The Better India