Merry Merry Markets
The season of choosing a star for the home, checking whether a string of lights glows white, yellow or multi-coloured, and decking up a Christmas tree is here. With just four days left for Christmas Eve, Thiruvananthapurams markets are preparing to see a heavy rush over the coming weekend. The market comes alive mainly in the evenings, once offices close, and schools let out. Families arrive together, taking their time to walk through the rows of shops. White Christmas trees continue to be popular this year as well, replacing the traditional green in many shops. Tree decorations come in all kinds of styles and sizes. Bright baubles in red, green, gold and silver share space with ornaments shaped like angels, bells, stars and small Santa figurines. There are also strings of LED lights, which are meant to be wrapped around the branches or hung loosely like garlands. Sellers pull out bundles of these lights from boxes and sacks, test them for a moment, and pack them back. By evening, these lights brighten the streets in a mix of colours. Cribs assembled locally are displayed alongside factory-made decorations. Many designs look familiar but appear with small changes in colour, finish or size. Prices vary depending on the quality and size of the items. Simple wooden cribs start at around 500, while cane ones cost a little more. Demand, however, remains steady as Christmas approaches. Handmade items are easy to spot this season, with Christmas-themed tablecloths, runners and cushion covers on display, along with macram pieces that many shoppers are picking up. Curated Christmas hampers are also visible across the market, including in small stores, making gifting easier. As the festival draws nearer and schools and colleges close for vacation, the market is entering its busiest days. So its better to run out now and get the right pieces before the shelves start to empty, and make the home all Christmasy.
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