Making plans for Christmas already?

I know, I know, it's too early to plan for Christmas just yet, but there are some things which DO need thinking about before Advent is upon us. We have received the annual request from HOST, the organisation which tries to help those who are at University and away from home at Christmas. See below:

Home for Christmas
Are you spending Christmas at home this year? Would you consider including an international student from a university in the UK in your plans? There are so many students here from China, India, and many other countries, who are unable to go back at Christmas. They would love to spend two or three days in a real home, rather than an empty hall of residence.

For many, Christmas will be an entirely new experience. Staying with you, they could find out what it is all about, as well as enjoying home-cooked food, joining in with your activities, and seeing a little of the country away from the campus. You do not need to live near a university, as many students are happy to travel to have this opportunity.
Your link with a student will be arranged by one of HOST’s voluntary regional organisers, who do their best to match hosts and guests who will enjoy one another’s company. HOST is a long-established national charity, founded by the British Council. Every HOST visit, whether for Christmas or for a weekend during the year, is a one-off, although sometimes lasting friendships are formed. The cultural exchange, and the contribution to international goodwill, are what make it all worthwhile.
If you would like to know more about volunteering as a host, please see www.hostuk.org or call HOST’s regional organiser Mandy Talbott on 01472 851084.