volume 7 number 25 18 July 2026
salvosonline.org.au print post approved PP100001474
Christmas: counting the cost
Simple strategies to control festive spending 7 Christmas in July
10 The case for two Christmases
12 Heading in the right direction
Winter celebrations with December in mind
The story and season that are never outdated
Support that leaves nobody by the wayside
“I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle these three things: a rainy holiday, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.” – Author Unknown
18 July 2026
Editorial What is The Salvation Army? The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Vision Statement Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus. Mission Statement The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus by: • Caring for people • Creating faith pathways • Building healthy communities • Working for justice The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders, past, present, and future. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.
Scan here to connect with The Salvation Army services
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Founders: William and Catherine Booth Salvation Army World Leaders: General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Territorial Leader: Commissioner Miriam Gluyas Secretary for Communications and Editor-In-Chief: Lieut-Colonel Paul Hateley Publications Manager: Cheryl Tinker Editor: Simone Worthing Graphic Designer: Ryan Harrison Enquiry email: publications@salvationarmy.org.au All other Salvation Army enquiries 13 72 58 Press date: 26 June 2026 Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, Chester Hill, NSW, Darug Nation lands.
A wintry Christmas When we think of Christmas in July, images of festive woolly jumpers, roast dinners with all the trimmings and steamed fruit puddings often come to mind. These festive elements are increasingly disappearing from our summer celebrations in December as tastes, temperatures, and cultures change over time. For many across our communities, an extra Christmas ‘season’ and the opportunity to celebrate with friends and family among lights, trees and tinsel is a welcome one. Life can be hard and relentless, so a bright spot to be together and have some fun is embraced. In different parts of the country, some Salvo churches also use the occasion to raise funds for social programs, to honour different groups in the community such as volunteers, or just to have a party. The meaning of Christmas, as Fay Foster shares, is still the birth of Jesus and the life-changing impact he continues to have on human lives globally. This can be celebrated at any time of year. So Happy Christmas – in July, December or whenever you decide to celebrate it! Simone Worthing Editor 3
Feature
Salvos Magazine
Christmas: counting the cost
Simple strategies to keep festive spending under control by Fay Foster and Kristen Hartnett
It’s July already! This time next week, it will be exactly five months until Christmas! As so many Australians grapple with the sharp rise in living costs, housing shortages, and economic uncertainty, thoughts around planning a Christmas celebration and summer break can be pushed to the bottom of the priority list, if they make it there at all. For others, intentionally keeping joy, connection, excitement and celebration is important – however simple and frugal – so now is a good time to chat with family and friends and start planning a memorable Christmas without overspending. Check out some tips from the IDEAS service (ideas.org.au). 1. Have a pre-Christmas cleanup Spend a few hours clearing out anything you no longer need around the house, like clothes, books, jewellery, furniture, toys or sporting equipment. Sell them online or hold a garage sale and use the proceeds to help fund Christmas or a simple summer activity. 2. Make a list and check it twice Make lists of the things you need to buy or pay for to prepare for the festive season. •
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Presents: Will you have them this year? If so, make a list of who you’re buying for, possible gift ideas, and how much money you’re prepared to spend on each person. Consider the option of handmade or pre-loved gifts.
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Entertainment supplies: List the food and drinks you’ll need, and how much you can spend.
3. Be a scrooge online • Search online for discount or coupon codes that you can use at the checkout. •
If you know what items you are looking for, search for them online instead of just going to one retailer’s website.
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Include any shipping costs when you are comparing prices.
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Click & collect: If you buy online, check if there’s an option to pick up in-store. You’ll save on postage and there will be less temptation to buy more.
18 July 2026
Feature 4. Manage gifting • Suggest to your loved ones that you set a limit on how much you will spend on gifts for each other to keep your budgets under control. •
Have a Secret Santa where you each buy one present for one adult, or talk with your family about only buying gifts for children.
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Consider giving vouchers for tasks like babysitting, massages, picnics, homemade dinners or housework.
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Take advantage of sales throughout the year to nab some bargains and set aside for Christmas.
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Check out op shops and secondhand bookstores.
5. Shop cleverly in store • Get your planned shopping done then get out so you aren’t tempted to spend more.
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Shop when it’s less crowded so you can choose carefully without having to jostle for space.
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Pre-plan larger gifts and layby them a few months ahead so you can pay them off over time.
6. Track your spending • Nominate a spending limit for different types of Christmas expenses and track your progress while you shop. 7. Plan for next Christmas Once this Christmas is done and dusted, start planning ahead for next year. •
Open a high-interest savings account in January and contribute a small amount to it every payday. Saving $20 per week will add up to over $1000 by Christmas (and if you start today, you’ll have $440 by 19 December this year!)
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Summer holidays These summer holidays, you may choose to go away for a break, invite people to stay with you or opt for a ‘staycation’ at home. Now’s the time to start thinking about how to spend your summer holidays. •
What do I (as well as children, family and others) like to do each day that we can afford?
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What is one thing we can do weekly during the holidays that we can afford?
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What is the one treat we can plan for January that we can look forward to? (Perhaps a voucher for this activity could be one of the Christmas gifts.)
Back to school Next year seems so far away, but it’s helpful to start thinking now of what your kids may need to go back to school. This can include stationery, uniforms, technology and fees. Know the prices and look out for the sales. Perhaps some of these necessities 6
Salvos Magazine
can be Christmas gifts. Check if there are local groups offering assistance with back-to-school expenses that you could contact now for more information. Get your buckets (or envelopes, online accounts – whatever works best for you) and put into each of them your thoughts on the occasion or event, including your goals and ideas on how to achieve them, plus some cash to make it happen. We need joy, connection and celebration, so what can we do to ensure we enjoy these as we end 2026? Even in the tough times, we can make 2026 and the New Year in 2027 special because of our pre-planning, creativity, thoughtfulness and intent. Scan here for more information on The Salvation Army’s free Moneycare service.
News
18 July 2026
A December focus for Christmas in July Salvos churches marking Christmas in July use the event to thank their volunteers, or to bring members of the church and community together for a festive meal and celebrations. This year, Riverland Salvos in South Australia will keep its annual Christmas in July tradition – raising funds through a community quiz night to help fund Christmas in December. Riverland ministry team leader Helen Adamczyk said that the quiz night, held at the local Lyrup Community Club, raises money for food hampers for the Riverland Christmas Appeal. Riverland Salvos also provides over 400 children’s toys towards the appeal. A brighter Christmas The Riverland Christmas Appeal aims to make Christmas a little brighter for locals in need. For 39 years, the appeal has achieved this aim with support and generous donations from local businesses, churches, community groups and clubs and many families and individuals, as well as grants from all three Riverland councils. The quiz event is open to anyone, with around 80 to 100 people usually attending. The team from the Riverland Salvos helps to set up and run the event, and provides supper, a silent auction and table decorations. Apart from the quiz night, Riverland Salvos also raises additional funds to purchase hampers for distribution by the Salvos after the Riverland Christmas Appeal closes off. – Fay Foster 7
News
Salvos Magazine
Stepping into something new An interactive mural activity that encourages creativity for relaxation and mindfulness offers residents at Tasmania’s McCombe House a space to reflect and refresh as they rebuild their lives after experiencing family and domestic violence and homelessness. The project gained momentum when chaplain Major Angela Rawlings met artist Anna Tu at a local craft market.
Artist Anna Tu with the interactive mural.
The two worked together on concepts for the mural, including resident involvement and uplifting quotes chosen and voted on by residents and staff.
Residents were invited to join in the painting of the mural. The Salvos’ external communications office coordinator, Subu Koirala, described their contributions as significant.
Anna Tu explains that the butterfly symbolises transformation, the art of becoming, letting go of what was, and stepping into something new.
“They remind us that beauty lives in our differences, yet beneath it all, we’re connected by the simple truth of being human.”
Tassie Salvos energy boost The Salvation Army in Tasmania has received a boost to its work supporting those struggling to make ends meet across the state. Tasmania’s electricity retailer, Aurora Energy, recently announced that it would donate $200,000 to the Tasmanian Government’s Energy Hardship Fund, administered by The Salvation Army Tasmania. Salvation Army Doorways Manager Stacey Milbourne said this support will make a huge difference for those who have to choose between heating their homes, putting food on the table or paying rent. 8
Aurora Energy CEO Nigel Clark said the State Government would also top up the fund by $150,000. “So together, we are doubling existing support from $350,000 to $700,000 over the next 12 months,” he explained. “We are incredibly grateful to Aurora Energy and the Tasmanian Government for recognising the growing need in our communities and continuing to stand alongside Tasmanians experiencing hardship,” said Stacey. For the full versions of these stories, go to salvosonline.org.au
News
18 July 2026
Brick Masters: Building community one Lego brick at a time Little builders at the Salvos’ North Brisbane Corps (church), are finding connection while having fun working on Lego projects. “Brick Masters is a kids’ club for kids in grades 2 to 6,” said Seath Holswich, known as a ‘Lego fanatic’, who came up with the Brick Masters concept. “The ideas had to be simple enough that a younger child could do it, but also then have some sort of extension or challenge element to it, so that the older children don’t get bored. “Lego is something that is so simple yet so profound. With six 2x4 bricks, there are approximately 915 million combinations that you can build those six basic bricks into.” Beyond the bricks Seath also sees the wider value for children attending Brick Masters. “Isolation and loneliness are such big issues in society, so to have an opportunity for children to come together around a product that is loved by so many people was just a great opportunity.
Brick Masters build The Salvation Army shield in Lego.
“Beyond that, we wanted it to be an introduction to the church. We wanted it to be an introduction to faith and an introduction to Jesus. “We really wanted children to walk away with a couple of things. One was obviously the building skills and the enjoyment that Lego brings. We also wanted them to walk away with that sense of inclusion and feeling like they belong somewhere. “My hope for the future for Brick Masters is that other Salvation Army faith communities would take up this program and that they would be able to exceed what we’ve done with it so far.”
Only six 2x4 bricks can build around 915 million combinations.
Scan here to watch the Brick Masters video. 9
Faith Talk
Salvos Magazine
The case for Christmas – twice a year! The story and season that never goes out of date by Fay Foster
“In a journal entry dated December 1827, colonial settler James Macarthur reflected on the challenges of observing Christmas during the Australian summer and proposed relocating its traditional ‘eating and drinking’ aspects to a cooler season: “‘I have always thought it would be a public benefit … to change the eating and drinking part of this festival to a more temperate season of the year … In the month of June there is no operation of importance going forward … John Bull might then indulge as freely as at home without endangering his health’” (en. wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_in_July). Presumably, someone who heard or read Macarthur’s words later said to their mates, “Christmas in June? Crikey, that’s a bit soon. Let’s go with July instead!” Winter celebrations While not everyone loves Christmas in July, there are certainly some logical reasons to celebrate in the heart of winter. All those snowmen and sleigh-bell decorations make a lot more sense, and we can enjoy a hearty roast for dinner instead of seafood and salad. But if two Christmases a year sounds like a good thing, why are there not also two Valentine’s Days, Mother’s Days or
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birthdays? What is it about Christmas that makes us want to celebrate it twice in 12 months? One thing that makes Christmas different is that it is a celebration, not for one specific person, but for everyone. If you’re a newborn, in your hundreds or anywhere in between, you are being celebrated at Christmas. Hopefully you will be invited, or will invite others, to a special meal where there will be laughter, good conversation and good food. Christmas is also associated with lights and decorations – our very homes and workplaces look different. They are lit up for us to enjoy. Then there are the traditions of Christmas – singing carols, Christmas T-shirts, church services, presents and great anticipation, especially on the part of children. And often, a guilt-free Christmas afternoon nap. Unchanging story Behind all these outward celebrations is the story of Jesus: the anticipation, joy, love and sacrifice associated with his birth. Born in a stable that might have also held any number or type of animals, welcomed and worshipped by shepherds and wise men, the story of Jesus ignites our imaginations.
18 July 2026
Faith Talk
PHOTO BY NIK ON UNSPLASH
PHOTO BY SANDRA SEITAMAA ON UNSPLASH
What we may not realise is that the birth of this child – the only son of the living God – also ushered in a new era for the world. Through his life, his teaching, and his death at the age of around 33, we are given the opportunity to have a direct relationship with God. Everything we have ever done wrong, or will ever do wrong, has been paid for by Jesus. God looks at us and sees us as clean and pure, his sons and daughters. So, we can talk with him and know he hears us. We can accept his love and let it change us.
bad jokes and laughter and silly party hats – we are physically, emotionally and spiritually refreshed. Times of sharing build connection and reduce loneliness. They build our communication skills and improve our mood. They give us happy memories.
We have so much reason to celebrate Christmas, in December, in July, or at any time of the year. And when we celebrate together – when we share a meal, talk about our lives, share
The spirit of Christmas – that excitement and anticipation and joy in sharing – has been found to produce a multitude of positive feelings and behaviours that are experienced collectively, including greater goodwill, generosity and willingness to care for others. Collective joy increases our personal joy. So, if you like to celebrate Christmas in July – just do it! The benefits are real and they are for all of us.
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My Story
Salvos Magazine
Heading in the right direction
Support that leaves nobody by the wayside In Subiaco, an inner-western suburb of Perth, the Salvos’ Third Place provides a welcoming and safe environment where people can experience community, have their basic needs met, and access placebased support and visiting services.
likely to be disengaged from services “for whatever reason. We will complete referrals, we will link people in with support, with maybe even a case management service, accommodation, legal services, Centrelink, NDIS, whatever.
Every week, a medical clinic is run by Homeless Healthcare, with a nurse practitioner and peer worker, to give general health treatment. They can also help people access their medication, which can often be difficult for people living on the street.
“It’s specific to the client needs, so every case is different, and it needs to be person-centred.”
“We are very privileged to work with the City of Subiaco,” said Manager of Outreach Support Services, Chairmay Van Der Merwe, “because they are a local government area [that] is taking responsibility to effectively respond to homelessness.” Elizabeth Connolly, Manager of Cultural Services for the City of Subiaco, said that community members wanted to support vulnerable community members, and this concern has been built into the council’s planning process. ”It’s a relationship that’s strong … If you walk through the centre, you can see how the staff are genuinely engaging with our community, and I know it makes the members feel really valued, safe and supported.” Person-centred Brett Hamilton McCaul, Team Leader Assertive Outreach for the Third Space, explains that the outreach team’s aim is to take support to those who are 12
Chairmay emphasised that, “Our Assertive Outreach workers are the coalface of homelessness. They take the support to people in the community to provide place-based responses. It is the job of the assertive outreach worker to establish rapport, and to make sure that people are linked with services to provide a continuum of care.” Brett shared that the team is seeing people who are experiencing homelessness for the very first time. “We all know that the longer people are experiencing homelessness, the more exacerbated the associated issues become,” he explained. “Not only are rental properties overwhelmingly scarce, they’re also unaffordable for someone who is on welfare payments. “But that’s where Outreach really comes in handy, because you can have people who really want accommodation, but they can’t access it for whatever reason. So, Outreach, we’ll go to them … we’ll take support to them. We’ve expanded our capacity with extra staff, and we’ve already noticed a massive decrease in rough-sleeper activity in the area.
18 July 2026
My Story
Chairmay Van Der Merwe manages Outreach Support Services. Murray’s life has changed since coming to The Third Place. Outreach workers are on the ‘coalface’ of the community.
“We have seen lives transformed in the process. We have seen people accessing the service who have never had engagement with any services, which is a positive sign because it shows the effectiveness of the service in addressing homelessness.” To access Salvation Army Homelessness Support services go to salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/ homelessness-support-services
Scan here to view the Third Place video.
Murray’s story Murray, who has been attending the Third Space for about 18 months, says it is “probably one of the best places to come to. They’ve been able to help me with a couple of medical issues that I’ve had, and a shower, and a safe place to come and feel like a human being without being judged and ridiculed by anyone. And having decent people here that are not judgmental and decent mateships, so they’re good to have. “Highly recommended. They have good, good food. If you need any advice on whether it’s a doctor or how to get to the bus ports or whatever, they can steer you in the right direction. “Thank you very much for all your time and effort that you’ve put in, and we really appreciate what you do for us. Without people like yourselves, a lot of us would still be left to the wayside, so thank you.” 13
Taste of Life
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Economical Plum Pudding
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Salvos Magazine
Quiz
1. What can you usually find inside an advent calendar? 2. Where do candy canes originally come from?
Ingredients 1 tbsp butter, 1 cup hot milk, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 cup mixed fruit, ½ cup sugar, 1 cup self-raising flour, 1 tsp mixed spice, 1 tbsp cocoa Method Melt butter in hot milk. Stir through baking soda. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Place in a greased pudding basin, cover with greaseproof paper and foil. Seal by tying string around the foil. Place a saucer in the bottom of a large saucepan and fill 1/3 way with water. Allow to simmer. Place pudding into the water and steam for 40 minutes – watch the water level. Serve hot or cold with cream or custard.
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Believe in Good: Tips
“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.” – Roy T Bennett 14
3. Which famous composer wrote the music for The Nutcracker? 4. Which artist recorded the hit Blue Christmas in 1964? 5. Which famous duo sang Last Christmas?
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Did you know?
20 July is International Chess Day. The second book printed in English was about chess. The Game and Playe of the Chesse was published in the 1470s by the first English printer, William Caxton. Chess players start and finish their tournament games with a handshake to show mutual respect.
Take Five
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Have a laugh
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18 July 2026
Word search
What do starlets read before bed? Comet books How do you get clean in outer space? By taking a meteor shower What is money called in space? Star bucks What do you win in a space talent competition? A constellation prize Why did the Earth make fun of the moon? For having no life
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Tum-Tum
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
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Answers
Words are hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, forwards and backwards. Enjoy! Apollo Asteroid Astronaut Capsule Galaxy Landing Launch Mars
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Mercury Mission Moonscape NASA Nebula Quasar Rocket Space
Spacecraft Space junk Sputnik Stars Supernova Universe Vacuum Voyager
Bible byte
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” John chapter 1, verse 4 New International Version 15
Tum-Tum: is hiding behind the teddy bear on page 7. Quiz: 1. A chocolate 2. Germany 3. Tchaikovsky 4. Elvis Presley 5. Wham!
Have you taken care of your Will? A gift in your Will can help The Salvation Army create a long-lasting impact in the lives of those experiencing hardship. Find out how you can start or continue your legacy of generosity. Contact The Salvation Army’s Wills and Bequests team and ask for a free Wills booklet. Together, we can give hope where it’s needed most long into the future. CONTACT US TODAY
1800 337 082 or visit salvationarmy.org.au/wills