In a heartwarming festive season advice column, a West Australian reader has sought guidance on a delicate matter of neighbourhood kindness. Writing to the popular 'Anxiety Aunt', the reader, who signs off as 'Cautious', expressed a desire to buy Christmas gifts for the children of a family across the street who are facing financial hardship.
A Delicate Question of Festive Giving
The query, published in The West Australian on Saturday, 20 December 2025, highlights the fine line between generous community spirit and potential overstep. Cautious explained they knew the renting family was struggling and wanted to offer to purchase presents for their children, but was concerned about appearing 'creepy' or encroaching.
This letter followed a previous column where Anxiety Aunt advised 'Green Thumb' to offer gardening help to a new young family. Cautious first asked for an update on that situation before posing their own similar festive dilemma.
Anxiety Aunt's Unequivocal Endorsement
In her characteristically warm and witty reply, Anxiety Aunt, penned by Jay Hanna, gave an emphatic green light. "So let your Aunt get this straight; you are basically asking for permission to behave like a real-life Santa Claus? What could be more delightful than that! You absolutely must," she wrote.
She framed the act as the essence of Christmas: giving without expectation of thanks or credit. Her practical advice was to speak directly to the parents first, explaining how much joy it would bring to give to their children during the holiday season. She expressed confidence that such a charitable offer, made with genuine intent, would not cause offence.
Positive Updates and a Call for Less Caution
Addressing the reader's first question, Anxiety Aunt shared that 'Green Thumb' and her husband did reach out, and the neighbouring family was delighted for them to take charge of the garden and verge, which had become overwhelming. Furthermore, two other readers were inspired by the original column to offer similar help in their own communities.
"It just goes to show, Cautious, there are always people out there willing to do good and assist others," Anxiety Aunt reflected. "Perhaps we should all stop being so . . . well . . . cautious, and just jump in and offer."
In her signature humorous style, the Aunt then detailed her own Christmas wish list to Cautious—including Christmas gin, new petunias to replace ones she stomped on, and a new furry friend from a shelter—before concluding with festive cheers to all her readers.
The column underscores a powerful message for the festive season: that acts of neighbourly kindness, when approached with respect and sensitivity, can forge stronger, more supportive communities.
