Not everyone is feeling festive: Some, like this Pinay mum in Perth, faces her first Christmas without her dad

Not everyone is joyful this Christmas. Some are struggling with daily expenses and the cost of preparing a festive holiday feast. Others are heartbroken, like Rachelle Festin, a mother from Perth, who will face her first Christmas without her dad after he tragically passed away from a heart attack in mid-2025.

Perth mum Rachelle Festin (right photo) spent Christmas in 2024 with her parents after seven years away from the Philippines, living in Australia. She never imagined it would be their final Christmas with her father, who tragically passed away from a heart attack. Credit: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi and Rachelle Festin (Facebook)

Key Points

• According to the Salvation Army, millions in Australia are struggling to get by this year, with one in 10 Australians worried they may not be able to feed their children.
• Over five million people (21%) are concerned their children won’t receive gifts this Christmas, and 11% are anxious about providing food.
• Organisations like Food Bank, the Salvation Army, and Spirits of Christmas are helping those in need and encourage those who are able to help too.
• While, some also face deep personal loss, such as Perth mum, Rachelle Festin, who is experiencing her first Christmas without her dad, who passed away in mid-2025.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Not everyone is feeling festive: Some, like this Pinay mum in Perth, faces her first Christmas without her dad

SBS Filipino

08:12Filipino

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