In Cuba with their 16 children for Christmas

Christmas 2022 promises to be a memorable one for a blended family of 16 children who are all set to fly to Cuba on December 20.

The idea for this holiday was hatched on Playa Pesquero a year ago in the dark of the fifth wave, says Nancy Lefebvre of Saint-Lin-Laurentides.

“We really said to ourselves: ‘No, we’re saving our money this year and next year we’re going to have Christmas in the South'”, said the mother, whose family includes her 14 children and two of her husband’s children. , 2 to 22 years of age.

Adults stepped in and raised money to help pay for their ticket through their student work.

A total of 30 people will be on the trip including friends and in-laws.

An unprecedented opportunity

“For me, this tour is very important. In my opinion, this is one of the last trips where I can have all my children with me”, testified M^me Lefebvre.

Leaving an entire family behind can be expensive and reconciling everyone’s schedules can be difficult.

It also took persuading a fast-food restaurant where four children work to have a day off at the same time of the week, amid a labor shortage…something Mrs. suggests.^me Lefebvre.

All that remained was to sort out the specific details, such as the logistics of preparing the suitcases. “We are very excited,” said the mother.

His 40 years under the sun

“Febrility” also best describes Caroline Milani’s feeling in Estrie.

On December 26, her 40th birthday, she will leave for Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba with 25 members of her family and close friends.

“Because of the health restrictions, there really wasn’t much else, so I decided to have a big party with everyone. Called the shots that felt like celebrating. Finally, 26 of us went out together!”, said the Sherbrooke resident, who owns a housekeeping business.

After two holidays to forget, this one definitely stands out. “This is the long-awaited Christmas,” she said.

“Christmas is very important to me. This is the moment when everyone stops, shares and comes together. For me, it is very important that we are with family and friends, my lifelong friends,” she explains.