That’s it. After several days (or weeks for the lucky ones), at sea, in the mountains or simply at rest, you have crossed the threshold of your door and put an end to your vacation. An unpleasant moment, punctuated by the unpacking of the suitcase and the washing of the dirty linen. There is, however, a small (figurative) nugget in the (literal) pile of sand lying at the bottom of your luggage: holiday memories.
Whether they are edible, magnetic, perishable, shameful or intended for colleagues, we have looked into this tradition which transforms trinkets into totems of a cherished moment. And to do this, we turned to you.
The pleasure of giving
At Laurence, remembrance is a tradition that cannot be derogated from. And in a very specific order. “Yes, I always bring back souvenirs from my holidays: first magnets, then clothes (t-shirts, dresses, sarongs) and local culinary specialties that I share on my way home with my friends”. With a suitcase as big as her heart, Laurence always brings back a little bit of sunshine from her stays.
A ritual, shared by Elizabeth. “For my brother, a knife, for my mother: scarf, scarf or t-shirt, for my friends and girlfriends: either gastronomic specialties, or gadgets, for me”. With a list as extensive as Santa Claus, Elizabeth’s loved ones have to wait resolutely for her holidays.
Some of the holiday memories are eminently specific. Even, sharpened. “Travelling mainly by motorbike, [c’est] complicated to bring back memories”, explains Denis. “Finally, we found the ideal object for my wife and me, these are regional or artisanal knives. It doesn’t take up space, it’s pretty, it’s useful, and it puts local crafts to work. In addition, we meet them, we exchange with them. It’s always very rewarding on so many levels. Who knows, maybe Elizabeth and Denis are from the same family?
“I bring back memories of vacations in each foreign country, I bring back a small turtle that I collect in a window,” Viviane also explains to us. Added to this is a small souvenir for my children. Objects that are not always with a high carbon footprint: “In France, I mainly bring back local products”.
A sticky passion
If Viviane embellishes her return from vacation by sometimes bringing back souvenir magnets, for Régis, it is essential. “I always bring back one or more magnets when I go on vacation. I have over 150 of them. I regularly spin them on the metal surfaces in my apartment. I do themes: beaches, big cities, flags… This allows me to remember my travel memories. »
A collection that would thrill Marie Kondo and all followers of minimalism. They will surely be more peaceful with Did. “Most of my memories are in my head or in photos. And sometimes a very small object, a trifle which when I come across it at home will be associated with these holidays”. Gabriel is also sober. “If I bring back souvenirs, it will eventually be a useful and used good (clothing, shoes, utensil…) but not something to display. It takes up space and dust. »
Finally, the palm of memory certainly goes to Papik, who entrusted us with… his memory of Argentina. “There are so many beautiful places to visit. My favorite is the Périto-Moréno glacier. “. Readers, all you have to do is bring back the Périto-Moréno (by loving) from your next stay, you will be happy.