Donation December: We busted four excuses of the festive season

The reality is; while you’re out of routine, hospitals are not. The spare time donors can use to give blood often hits a low during the festive season. But relax, you don't need a massive change of heart or a day's worth of free time. All you need is the truth about those little holiday excuses.

Say goodbye to seasonal guilt, because you already have the thing patients truly need. You are the gift. Let's bust these myths together and help you book that donation.

"I don't have time. My schedule is chaos."

Shopping, baking, and wrapping each take more time than the hour it takes for a blood donation, or the hour and a half for a plasma donation. Pretty good deal for saving lives. Think of it as the quiet time you need in this month of festivities. You're giving the gift of life (and yourself a break).

"I'm worried about my eligibility."

Many people fear a festive cocktail, a recent cold, or travel might affect whether they can donate blood. Well, yes, it does, but it’s all in the timing or destination of travel. The best way to know for sure is by taking the eligibility quiz. If you’re unsure of other factors like smoking or vaping, just ask Jamie and you’ll get those myths busted instantly.

"I get a bit nervous about needles."

You're not alone if the thought of the needle makes you want to bolt back to your Christmas shopping. But that moment of fleeting discomfort could be the tiny cost of giving a family lifelong relief. After you donate, you get to celebrate with a range of savoury and sweet snacks. Did we mention the milkshakes? No matter what part of the donation has you feeling a bit worried, we’re here to help. Here are our top tips for nervous donors.

"New year, new me. The need can wait."

Whoa, your holiday excuse card has officially expired. The truth is that blood doesn't wait for a new year's resolution. Your life-saving red blood cells, have a maximum shelf life of just 42 days. This means the supply must be constant, especially during holidays when demand is high.

Forget waiting for January. The most valuable, immediate gift you can give is simply showing up now. You're the gift, ensuring that trauma patients, mothers in childbirth and people with cancer have the red cells they need to make it through the calendar change.

You're the gift and we've got the wrapping.

This year, skip the generic stocking stuffers and give the gift of life. It’s a gift that requires no wrapping paper, it's free, and you don’t have to stress over whether they already have one. It only requires your time.

And because you gave life, we’d love to wrap your arm in a festive piece of art. We’ve got a limited-edition bandage designed by the incredible artist Nico Nicoson.

Book a donation now