Joannie Dubois and his wife Gabrielle Ménard have thought carefully about the gifts they will place under the tree for their little Félixe, 2 years old. They want to offer him an activity as well as durable objects, preferably second-hand, all in reasonable quantities. “We really want to make smart choices,” says Joannie Dubois.
Félixe’s family is not alone in wanting to limit the number of toys offered to children during the Holidays. “Since the pandemic, Quebecers have been trying to avoid overconsumption, to extend the lifespan of objects, to limit anything that is superfluous and to buy local. We can very well think that these general behaviors will, of course, apply to Christmas, ”explains Élisabeth Robinot, professor at the School of Management Sciences at UQAM, specialist in consumer behavior and member of the ‘Responsible consumption observatory.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Joannie Dubois, Gabrielle Ménard, their dog Lucille and their daughter Félixe
When asked what guides her choice of gifts, Joannie Dubois notably mentions an ecological conscience, a value that she wants to instill in her daughter as of now.
Although the environmental aspect also prompts Lina Maria Jaramillo Cardona to limit the number of gifts offered to her two children, she believes that it is also a question of culture. “My husband and I are of Colombian origin and in Colombia, we have a Christmas present, that’s all,” she says, specifying that, in her country of origin, it is not the Father Christmas who distributes the presents, but rather the Child Jesus.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LINA MARIA JARAMILLO CARDONA
Lina Maria Jaramillo Cardona, with her husband, Carlos, and their children, Antonio and Victoria
If our child is used to receiving a lot of toys on December 25, how can we reduce the number without disappointing him? The solution lies in communication, answers Nathalie Parent, psychologist and author.
From the outset, I would ask the child or teenager the question in advance: “What do you think if we reduce the quantity of gifts?”
Nathalie Parent, psychologist and author
Is the youngster disappointed with the suggestion? We tell him that we understand his reaction, continues Nathalie Parent. Then we explain to him what motivates the decision.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NATHALIE PARENT
Nathalie Parent, psychologist and author
“We can also go and read the definition of the word“ gift ”or even think with the child about what a gift represents for him. […] Is it something to please the other? There are plenty of ways to please someone without necessarily going through a large amount of gifts, ”continues the psychologist, who believes that we can have this discussion with our child from the age of about 8 years. .
Towards a more eco-responsible Christmas
In addition to reducing the number of presents, there are other practices that can be adopted for a more eco-responsible Christmas.
“Teaching quality is a first step that can be taken. Avoid things that are useless, the “bébelles” ”, suggests Corinne Gendron, professor specializing in social and environmental responsibility at ESG UQAM.
Turning to the second hand, as Joannie Dubois and her wife do, is also a great alternative. “More and more families want to get rid of toys they no longer use. There is therefore fairly easy access to second-hand toys, which are also in very good condition, ”says Élisabeth Robinot.
How will a child react if they learn that their new doll has already belonged to someone else? Less than one can imagine, believes Élisabeth Robinot.
In schools, we talk more and more about sustainable development. We make our children very aware of these issues. It is a positive thing to keep the toys circulating.
Élisabeth Robinot, specialist in consumer behavior
Buying local and avoiding overpacking are also good options for a greener Christmas, underline the specialists consulted.
Experiences rather than toys
Mother of two children aged 5 and 7, Émilie Fayolle favors activities over toys. She tried the experiment last Christmas and admits that her children were a bit disappointed. She still decided to use the same formula for their birthday. She gave her daughter an introductory riding lesson, while her son gave a day of motocross. “Since then, they talk to me about it all the time. […] Finally, I have the impression that it gives them better memories, compared to toys, ”she confides.
“Studies show that in the minds of individuals, experiences last longer. There is a higher level of satisfaction compared to an object, confirms Élisabeth Robinot. We have every interest in promoting experiences. ”
If we opt for an activity and the child is disappointed on Christmas morning because there is nothing new to play with, what do we do? We name the disappointment, answers Nathalie Parent.
You can tell him: “You have the right to be disappointed, I can understand. Now what do we do? Do we spend our day being disappointed or do we choose to go have fun together with what we have? », Suggests the psychologist.