News
Tinsel, baubles and decorated trees spread festive cheer
View(s):By Nathara Abeywickrema
As Christmas approaches, the streets are illuminated and homes are in the mood to celebrate the season of joy, love, and giving.
From decorating Christmas trees to preparing festive performances and community events, the festive atmosphere is heavy with anticipation.
Christmas day promises a host of events designed to spread festive cheer and foster community spirit. Churches across the country are organising special carol services and midnight masses. In addition, several community centres are hosting Christmas fairs, where visitors can enjoy local delicacies, crafts, and seasonal entertainment.
-
- Little profit say fresh tree sellers
-
- Festive cheer in the city. Pix by Nilan Maligaspe
The cleric of a prominent church in the Colombo area shared that numerous initiatives have been organised to support the underprivileged. These include distributing hampers and vouchers for supermarkets, and for textiles purchases, as well as hosting community kitchens at the church.
He noted that Christmas has become a commercialised festival worldwide, including to some extent in Sri Lanka. He emphasised the importance of focusing on its spiritual essence. “I believe that if people are spending less on decorations and extravagance, it’s because they have embraced the true meaning of Christmas making it a time of sharing and togetherness.’’
P.B. Wijesundara and R. Wijesinghe, two fresh-cut Christmas tree merchants from the Kirula area, expressed disappointment over the lower-than-expected income. They said imports of artificial trees should not be allowed. Highlighting the costs involved in growing and transporting cypress trees, they noted that profit margins are insufficient. “A tree that should sell for Rs. 12,000 is being sold for just Rs. 5,000,” they said, adding that some customers only buy a branch or two to attach to artificial trees for fragrance. But, business is better than that of last year, they admit.
Major cities have also planned Christmas lights switch-on ceremonies and live performances, featuring local choirs and musicians. In Colombo, the Municipal Council is hosting carol competitions. Colombo City Centre, Dutch Hospital, and prominent hotel chains have been adorned with dazzling lights and decorations, warmly welcoming the most wonderful time of the year.
For children, Santa Claus meet-and-greet events and storytelling sessions promise to bring smiles and laughter. Many schools are holding Christmas concerts, showcasing the talents of young performers with music, dance, and drama centred on the nativity story.
Shopping and business complexes in cities like Puttalam, Kandy and the Southern region have become hubs of activity. Despite focusing on the essentials, families are swept up in the excitement, driven by a heartfelt desire to bring joy and peace to their children during the festive season. In the Puttalam area, people seem more spirited and enthusiastic about spreading holiday cheer this year, showing a liveliness not seen in previous years.
While the celebrations bring joy, authorities are mindful of ensuring the safety of all participants, especially in light of large gatherings, reflecting a proactive approach to fostering a secure environment for all to celebrate the festive season with peace of mind.
During Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, various religious ceremonies will take place across the country, particularly in big cities and towns. Catholic Churches will host traditional Christmas Eve Mass and Christmas Day Mass, drawing large congregations.
Churches have coordinated with local law enforcement to implement stringent security measures during Christmas masses and events. Security officers will be at key locations, and surveillance systems will monitor public spaces, said Police Media Spokesman SSP K.B. Manatunga.
More than 40,000 traffic police have been deployed to patrol cities, public transport hubs, shopping malls, and other crowded areas. Also, the police have implemented patrols along key thoroughfares that intersect city boundaries. The force has mobilised over 6,500 officers, including 553 female officers, and more than 600 officers to traffic duties.
In an effort to improve security further, more than 500 officers in plainclothes and trained officers have been stationed at strategic locations. Supervisory duties are being carried out by 48 senior officers and 769 in supervisory roles. Night operations have also been intensified, with officers using intelligence data to locate and arrest criminals taking refuge in public spaces.
Authorities have urged drivers and the public to stay vigilant and adhere to traffic laws to ensure smooth and safe holiday travel, added SSP Manathunga.
Church leaders have also advised attendees to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Community volunteers are stepping up to assist in managing crowds and maintaining orderly proceedings, ensuring that everyone can celebrate the season peacefully and securely.
As we prepare to revel in the holiday season, these efforts reflect the collective resolve to uphold the true essence of Christmas — unity, compassion, and the shared joy of togetherness.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!