Christmas is the season of giving, but it's not just about buying smellies for your mum or socks for your dad.

At this time of year it's nice to give back a little too, and ARC Cancer Support are making it extra easy to help them raise some much-needed funds.

If you've happened to be in St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre this week, you may have noticed a very special addition on the first floor floor – the blue ARC Tree of Hope.

As well as admiring the gorgeous tree, shoppers are encouraged to buy an ARC bauble for just €5, which can be taken home or hung on the tree. Each bauble has space for you to write a personal message of hope and love – be it for a loved one who is in need of a kind word, or in memory of someone who has passed away.

On the 13th of this month, an official lighting ceremony will take place, with the Dublin Gospel Choir on hand to provide some festive entertainment and Aslan frontman Christ Dignam there to light the tree.

ARC hopes to raise €20,000 from this year's festive initiative, with funds going towards counselling and complementary services for those with cancer and their loved ones.

For more information, head along to St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre or follow ARC on Facebook and Twitter.