![\"Deux](\"https:\/\/stezen.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SteZen-blogue-desencombrer-avant-noel-2-819x1024.jpeg\")
<\/figure>Involving children in sorting: a learning opportunity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
De-cluttering, especially at this time of year, can become a gentle moment of education. Children are often more open than we think to sharing what they have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can explain simply: \"Some kids may not get many presents this year. And some of your toys might still please someone. Why don't we pick out a few to give together?\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It's not a question of forcing, but of opening up the conversation. Give them some decision-making power. You can also guide them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- What toys haven't you used in a while?
<\/li>\n\n\n\n - Is there a doggie or doll that you've loved, but that's been sleeping on the shelf for too long?
<\/li>\n\n\n\n - Are there any games you're ready to part with to make room for new ones?
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nMake it a quiet activity, a moment of connection. Put on a little background music, get out some boxes and sit down together to do this gentle sorting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc49 For more ideas on how to live a simpler December aligned with your values, I invite you to read Christmas made easy: a new way to enjoy Christmas<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhere can you donate your toys and objects in good condition?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you've sorted your donations, you need to find the right place to make them count. Here are a few tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Community thrift stores<\/strong> (Renaissance, Village des valeurs, La Vo\u00fbte, Salvation Army, etc.).
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Neighborhood organizations<\/strong> who collect toys for Christmas
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Women's centers or shelters<\/strong> for families in need
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Daycare centers or early childhood centers<\/strong>who sometimes recover toys for their common areas
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Word of mouth<\/strong>Perhaps you know of a family in your circle for whom such donations would make all the difference.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe most important thing is to make sure that the toys are clean, complete and still functional. We give what we'd be proud to receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDecluttering as a family ritual<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How about making it a tradition? A sort of \"heart cleansing\" before the holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- At the beginning of each December, you set aside an afternoon with your family to sort out the mess together.
<\/li>\n\n\n\n - You take the opportunity to talk about generosity, mutual aid, the true values of Christmas.
<\/li>\n\n\n\n - Then celebrate with a hot chocolate, a walk or a special evening.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nBy creating decluttering rituals, we can teach our children a more conscious way of living through the holiday season. It shows them that there's as much joy in giving as in receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc49 For a festive, fun and structured approach to holiday organization, discover tips from Mother Christmas in this sparkling, practical blog<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stezen.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SteZen-blogue-desencombrer-avant-noel-2-1-819x1024.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\nOther ways to lighten up before Christmas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sorting toys is a good starting point, but you can also apply the same approach to other areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The decorations<\/strong>Keep only those that still give you pleasure. Donate or recycle damaged or forgotten decorations.
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- The kitchen<\/strong>Sort out plastic dishes, baking accessories, tablecloths... and make room for cooking pleasure.
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Winter clothing<\/strong>: coats, mittens, boots. The kids have grown up? Give what doesn't fit anymore to those who need it.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nEvery gesture, no matter how small, contributes to lightening your space and doing good around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The kitchen<\/strong>Sort out plastic dishes, baking accessories, tablecloths... and make room for cooking pleasure.
- The decorations<\/strong>Keep only those that still give you pleasure. Donate or recycle damaged or forgotten decorations.
- Neighborhood organizations<\/strong> who collect toys for Christmas
- Community thrift stores<\/strong> (Renaissance, Village des valeurs, La Vo\u00fbte, Salvation Army, etc.).