A Montreal family with strong ecological values will celebrate even more modestly this year because of the rising cost of living and to avoid overconsumption.
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“There will be fewer gifts to unwrap and more attention to appreciate each one. As we are more and more economically tight, this is consistent with a need, but it also aligns with our values,” explains Geneviève Antonius-Boileau.
The support employee at CEGEP de Maisonneuve and her partner have two children aged 3 and 4.
Throughout the year, they turn to second-hand shops and thrift stores for furniture, toys and clothing to promote economic degrowth and avoid overconsumption. There is no exception at Christmas, despite four family dinners, since their respective parents are separated.
“One hundred percent of the gifts we give are cultural experiences or second-hand toys,” assures Mme Antonius-Boileau.
Tight budget
The support employee at CEGEP de Maisonneuve plans to spend even less this year with the public sector employee strike and the increasing cost of living.
“We’re going to stay at home. We liked renting a chalet for a few days or sleeping in a hotel, but that’s not in the plans this year,” she says.
The family of four intends to take advantage of free activities in their neighborhood such as sliding or shows at the Maison de la culture.
Santa Claus will be there on the morning of December 25 with second-hand toys for Lolo, 4 years old, and Filou, 3 years old.
Some members of the extended family, however, will not be as spoiled as before. “My cousins in their twenties, I always gave them a little something, but this year, I say to myself, they are adults, they will understand,” illustrates Mme Antonius-Boileau.
No waste
In these difficult times, the family will honor its rule of avoiding food waste as much as possible by cooking dishes that can be kept and planning portions to eat in the following days.
And for dessert, the Yule log is not appropriate. The mother goes there instead for her famous homemade apple pies. “It’s not expensive!” launches the one who advocates economic decline.
“There is pressure to shop, to chase the sales, but the magic of Christmas is above all being together, paying little attention to each other,” she concludes.