For more than 17 years, Spirit of Christmas has quietly proven something radical yet deeply human: that generosity, when offered freely and without conditions, has the power to transform individuals, communities, and lives.
Founded by Dennis, Spirit of Christmas is not a charity in the traditional sense. There are no prices, no applications, no transactions, and no expectations of return. Everything is free. Everyone is welcome. And love is at the centre of it all.
As Dennis simply puts it:
“Love is never conditional. We’ll all live like this one day. I’m just getting in early to avoid the rush.”
17 Years of Christmas Spirit
The Origin of Spirit of Christmas
The story of Spirit of Christmas began in 2008, when Dennis opened his leased home in Brisbane, Queensland, and gave everything away. Furniture, household items, personal belongings – all freely offered to anyone who needed them.
The moment captured national attention and was featured on Channel 9’s Today Show with Lisa Wilkinson and Karl Stefanovic.
Reflecting on that experience, Dennis said:
“That was an amazing time. You could feel the love in the house.”
What began as a single act of generosity became a lifelong mission to serve others – without charge, without limitation, and without judgment.
Feeling the Love
The First Spirit of Christmas Free Shops
In 2009, Dennis borrowed an empty shop at Burleigh on Queensland’s Gold Coast just one week before Christmas. With the help of the community and minimal cost, he opened the first official Spirit of Christmas Free Shop.
The idea was simple but powerful:
- Everything would be new
- Everything would be free
- And everyone would be welcome
Thousands of new Christmas presents were given away so that no one would miss out on the joy of giving and receiving during the festive season.
This model continued year after year, expanding across Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales, with over 11,000 new presents given away in Brisbane alone by 2012.
The True Magic of Giving
The 10th Spirit of Christmas Free Shop
In 2025, Spirit of Christmas reaches a major milestone with the opening of its 10th Spirit of Christmas Free Shop.
The shop will open at Ocean Shores Shopping Centre, NSW, from:
Wednesday 17 December to Christmas Eve
9am–6pm daily
(Closed Sunday & Monday)
As always:
- Everything is free
- Everything is new
- Everyone is welcome
Dennis encourages people to spread the word so no one misses out on presents and invites the community to contribute by donating brand new, unused items they no longer need.
Spreading the Word
The Free Shop at Billinudgel: Open 24/7
Beyond Christmas, Spirit of Christmas operates a full-time free shop at Billinudgel, NSW, located in the former railway station opposite the pub.
Opened on 5 April 2020, the shop operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and has already given away tens of thousands of free items.
Dennis explains his approach simply:
“We love to help people.”
The shop supports individuals and families facing financial hardship, housing insecurity, or life transitions, offering everything from clothing and bedding to tools, electronics, books, and outdoor gear.
Some Locations Are Year-Round
A Life of Service Without Charge
Dennis does not accept money in his shops, market stalls, or professional work. For over 17 years, he has provided all material items, services, talks, consultations, and support entirely free of charge.
As he says:
“If you need a hand, I’ve got two.”
Dennis also offers free mediation, counselling, and life support to anyone facing challenges – whether related to debt, relationships, stress, work, or personal hardship.
A Life of Service
Community, Volunteers, and Gratitude
Spirit of Christmas is made possible by an extraordinary network of volunteers and supporters. Dennis openly acknowledges the people who donate gifts, loan spaces, build signs, provide insurance, transport items, help run the shops, and spread the word through media and community networks.
Of the Christmas shops, Dennis writes:
“You’ll all make this 2025 Christmas memorable for thousands of people.”
Testimonials from visitors and volunteers consistently describe the experience as joyful, meaningful, and deeply human.
A grateful Community
Creating Free Shops Across Australia
Dennis actively encourages others to create their own free shops, sharing step-by-step guidance on how to borrow empty spaces, gather volunteers, source new gifts, and work with local media.
His goal is simple: to see free Christmas shops and free community shops operating across Australia and beyond, reducing isolation, hardship, and the need for transactional charity.
Living the Spirit of Christmas Every Day
Spirit of Christmas is not just about Christmas. It’s about choosing generosity every day – gift by gift, service by service, and moment by moment.
Dennis believes that helping one another builds real communities, reduces fear and scarcity, and replaces them with connection and trust.
As he reminds us:
“Giving isn’t just the fastest way to change ourselves and our world. It’s the only way.”
The Joy of Giving
Final Thoughts
Spirit of Christmas stands as living proof that another way of living is possible – one rooted in unconditional love, shared responsibility, and genuine care for one another.
By giving freely and without conditions, Dennis has created not just shops, but spaces of dignity, joy, and hope.
And perhaps most importantly, Spirit of Christmas reminds us that the true gift isn’t what we receive, it’s what we give.