Christmas is a time of bright lights, hot food and sharing presents.
But how much of that generosity extends to those sleeping on the pavement?
Research released this month suggests that 42 per cent of Brits are more likely to give money over the festive period.
READ MORE: Wallingford man's Christmas light fundraising for Sue Ryder
We spoke to some of those sleeping rough in the city centre to hear their experiences of the season.
Nancy, 37
Nancy left home when she was 14 and has lived on the street for more than two decades.
She said Christmas used to be a generous season but that this year had been difficult because "there have been a lot of people struggling".
The rough sleeper, who has been camped near the Westgate shopping centre, added: "I got chewed up and spat out by the system.
"It's a con."
Steve, 49
Steve, who is turning 50 soon, said he had been on the street for 15 years but he was now on the Oxford Homeless Pathways scheme and hoping to move into a place of his own soon.
Sat on Cornmarket Street with dogs Gizmo and Olive, Steve said: "Generally people are more giving around Christmas time.
"Lots of people give you lots of stuff."
Leonart Danila, 26
The 26-year-old Leonart from Romania, came to the UK four years ago.
He said Christmas time is difficult because he does not have his family and children with him.
"It's the same as every other day - the same conditions," Leonart said, clutching his Costa coffee cup.
Chris Sherwood, 36
Smiley Chris said Christmas time would be "the same as this".
The 36-year-old added that sleeping on the street "does not bother me - I am used to it".
He noted people were more generous over the festive season.
Never miss an Oxford Mail story - sign up to our range of newsletters for free 🗞
— Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) December 7, 2023
More information below 👇https://t.co/qOq8ZlGF9x
"People feel sorry for you because there is always someone worse off than yourself," he said.
"Some people like to be in houses. I like sleeping on the street outside."
Organisations such as the Porch and the Oxford Homeless Project offer special services around Christmas time to rough sleepers.
A spokesman for Oxford City Council said: "Nobody should have to sleep rough in Oxford and we are committed to helping everyone get the shelter and support they need to leave the streets behind.
"The key to this is effective engagement, building people’s trust and supporting them to come inside.
"Many people experiencing rough sleeping have multiple unmet needs that can include substance dependencies, mental health and trauma.
"These unmet needs can make it difficult for us to engage with people and we will keep offering support even where this is initially refused."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel