In Quebec (Canada), there is a very atypical celebration every July 25: the Camper’s Christmas. During the three days preceding the Camper’s Christmas and until its celebration, we follow five totally different working-class families. Through interviews and set ups revealing typical camping activities, our characters talk about this event celebrating the spirit of Christmas, of childhood and of family.


The Camper’s Christmas provides an opportunity to examine about the Canadian family. Do we still have the same family values we had forty years ago? Is it still worthwhile to have children today? Is it difficult to build a family life in our era? Why do the rich have fewer children than the less fortunate?

The McBreartys, the Wistaffs, the Descôteaux and the Cabrals openly discuss the joys and sorrows of their daily lives. Although the idea of the family may be threatened, they still believe in it. Just as they hold on to their Camper’s Christmas, a gathering they organise with enthusiasm, year after year, on July 25.

But as they spend three days preparing for this Green Christmas, the forecast is calling for rain. Will the Santa Claus parade be cancelled? The families are worried. They even hang their rosaries out on the clothes line.

This uncertain faith in the strength of the family unit is echoed by other events. We see a couple break up, and witness the isolation of a retired couple abandoned by their adult children. Will the Family survive?

On top of the bad weather forecast, a family tragedy occurs in the neighbouring town. On July 24, in Otterburn Park, a father murders his wife and children. Everybody on the campground comments on this sad event, the worst of all family tragedies. On the front page of the Journal de Montréal, we see a picture of the family on a happier day, six months earlier, on Christmas Eve.

The holds off for the parade, but the night’s festivities take place in the rain. In spite of the showers, the crowd is dancing and singing outside. The reunion is touching. It's a beautiful party.

Source: Guylaine Maroist