Sparkling stars ring in Xmas
Christmas isn’t just a season; it’s a feeling. As the season is around the corner, Kochi is all set to welcome Santa with fervour and happiness. This year, celebrations are not that colourful as compared to the previous years due to the disastrous flood that hit the state recently.
The Christmas market is open and the shopkeepers are of different opinions regarding sales. “The sale is not that satisfactory as compared to the last year,” says Shaji, a wholesaler at Kochi Broadway.
The price range of stars starts at '23. There are more low-budget stars available as compared to last year. There are LED stars and paper stars. This year, the paper star named ‘Holy Family’ is finding many takers. While the star is available in almost all shades, the one in white shade is in high demand.
Last year’s trending stars Pulimurukan and Jimikki Kammal are still popular. This year, the LED star named Big Boss is attracting many customers with its name. “People mostly ask for white LED stars,” says a dealer. Store owners have different opinions on the sales as well as the profit they achieved. While some claim that the flood hasn’t affected the sale, a few others say that the sale has been affected.
Christmas is not complete without a lavishly decorated tree. There are different varieties of Christmas trees available in the market. Both low and high-budget trees are available. In the street shops at Broadway, people are seen bargaining and buying Christmas items. Cribs are comparatively low in number.
Artificial pine trees and Christmas wreaths are also there in the market. Electric illumination lights are in different varieties. Santa Claus dress is also there in various price ranges. The most expensive one is of velvet material.
When it comes to shopping malls, the Christmas sale is different. The stars are more expensive than the ones at Broadway and other street shops. In malls, paper stars are predominant. Discount is offered for almost all Christmas items. Christmas trees of about Rs 10,000 are available in the malls. There are more attractive dresses of Santa Claus made of different materials.
Nativity sets, Christmas pillows, tinsels, Christmas stockings, Christmas candles, Christmas pillows, poinsettias and many other beautiful decorative pieces are there to add more colour to the festivities.