Dressed up for X'mas
By Ruwanthi Herat Gunaratne
Elections are over at last and it's time to breathe
a sigh of relief and "get on with life". Unbelievable as it may seem, another
Christmas is upon us. And if in the election mania that engulfed Colombo
and its suburbs, no one seemed to notice how the city was gearing up for
the season, well now, there's no missing it.
Down have come the political banners and in their place almost overnight,
are the Christmas decorations. Colombo is dressed in style to greet this
Christmas season. The newly done-up Galle Face Green is simply shimmering.
Each of the swaying palms along the drive is lined with little fairy lights
and farther along the Green, closer to the beach, are Christmas trees,
not the usual type brought down from up-country but lights arranged in
the shape of Christmas trees. It is heartening to  note
that Galle Face is open to all Sri Lankans, spreading some Christmas cheer.
The Crescat Boulevard, a shoppers' stop, greets the season in an equally
festive spirit. With snowflakes descending from various heights and a 20-foot
tree taking centre-stage in the lobby, the effect is enchanting. These
delicate snowflakes speak much for the effort that has gone into the preparation;
but as floral wizard Mary Jayaratne, who was in charge of décor
at Crescat this year says, "It's been worth every minute of it." The colour
scheme here is red, gold, silver and cream with a splash of green, says
Ms. Jayaratne. Thick garlands and cone shaped decor are prominent throughout
the mall.
Restaurants too are coming out in style this Christmas. The Deli Market
at the World Trade Center has adopted more of a Sri Lankan theme, with
the bar dressed with 'Vesak kudu' like models made of sticks and bright
red poinsettias. The traditional reds and greens too are abundant in the
form of wreaths and holly leaves. Another novel idea that has been presented
at the World Trade Center is the tree placed at the entrance, on the theme
of 'Universal Peace'. Enhancing the theme are dolls, brought brought from
different countries. Another novelty at the Deli Market is the wish tree
- decorated with wishes of underprivileged children written on cards hung
on the branches.
The retail stores usually at the forefront when it comes to eyecatching
Christmas décor are all dressed up as well. Particularly attractive
to shoppers is the Hallmark chain of shops, at Crescat, Millennium Park
and Duplication Road, for not only are they festooned with décor,
but you can also buy anything you fancy there to dress up your home. Their
beautiful range of Christmas wreaths, baubles and other décor come
in all the seasonal colours.
The Hameedia's chain of stores also merits a mention with huge cone
shaped trees dominating their décor. Silver is their festive colour
while, Arena and House of Fashions have chosen to go with the more customary
red and green.
So even if you aren't celebrating Christmas, take the time to enjoy
the visual treats the season offers in the city. |
