Christmas 2024 ‘Vendors’ hardships drowned amidst festive cheer

Selling Cyprus trees like how Karunathilaka from Bandarawela does in this picture suggests that business is rapid, but in reality seasonal business like this only supplements his income and that of the suppliers  
(Pics by Kushan Pathiraja)

Colombo transforms itself into the festive mood every December, with attractive décor that brightens up the streets, especially after dusk. With parties, carol services, pop-up sales, charity events and other activities, Christmas is a much awaited holiday season for most Sri Lankans, irrespective of their religion. This is the same for many vendors who sell Christmas items to earn an extra buck. Given the challenging times, some vendors continue their businesses for many years with hope that the next year would be better than the previous year. But every year, they seem to passing a harsh reality check. 

December is the month where vendors can earn an additional income selling Christmas decorations and other items

Plight of Cyprus tree vendors 

Cyprus tree vendors are a regular sight in Havelock Town. The trees are being transported from Badulla, Bandarawela and Ella areas. The branches to the trees are sold at various prices starting from Rs. 1500. The prices vary depending on the height of the tree. But due to the environmental impact, the vendors observe that many people now opt to purchase artificial trees. 

“Back when we started there were around 14 vendors along this stretch, but today there are only four of us remaining,” said Karunathilaka from Bandarawela who has been in the Cyprus tree business for over 40 years. “We have put up stalls in Town Hall, Kirillapona areas and there was a good demand for trees back then. But today people opt for artificial trees due to the environmental impact,” he explained.

Karunathilaka said that trees are usually cut by the time they are two years old and in order to fell these trees, a permit is required. “There is nobody who depends entirely on this business because it is seasonal and on the other hand a lot of trees go to waste. It is still too early to comment on how many trees we would have to leave behind because people come in search of trees even at the last minute. But this business only supplements our income and that of the suppliers,” he added. 

Firecracker vendors hopeful about year-end celebrations 

Firecracker vendors too are a regular sight during the festive season. But sales usually pickup on 30th and 31st December because people still have the habit of lighting firecrackers to mark the beginning of a New Year as the clock strikes 12 on the 31st. 

Aruna Shantha from Pamankanda has been selling firecrackers in Havelock Town for the past 15 years. One can find various types of locally made firecrackers at his stall. “The prices range from Rs. 200 for a small pack of firecrackers to Rs. 3500 for the bigger ones. I have purchased around Rs. 50 lakhs worth items and I payback to suppliers depending on the sales. It is difficult to expect huge profits from this business because except for some repeat customers, many don’t want to purchase firecrackers due to safety reasons. Some don’t like to hurt street animals.”

He said that sales usually pickup after Christmas and that he’s hopeful about doing good business towards the end of the year. 

It is mostly children who are interested in Christmas decorations and vendors are hopeful that sales would pick up

A ‘side’ business to put food on the table 

For individuals like M. Pushpalatha and K. Jeyaruban, December is the month where they can earn an additional income selling Christmas decorations, mangers and other items related to Christmas. 

“I sell pots and pans for a living, but every year I have this stall because I can usually earn some extra income,” said Pushpalatha from Modara. “I have items ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 5000. A manger costs Rs. 750 and the entire nativity scene costs Rs. 2500. It is mostly children who are interested in Christmas decorations and we are hopeful that sales would pick up before Wednesday (25th),” she said. 

K. Jeyaruban from Kochchikade rides a three-wheeler for a living. But during December he also sells mangers. “If I take hires all day I can earn a substantial income to support my family. During Christmas I bring these mangers made in Negombo and Kochchikade areas and sell them to earn an additional income,” said Jeyaruban. 

A manger costs around Rs. 750 and Jeyaruban is hopeful that he would be able to sell his stock before Christmas.  The woes and cries of people in middle and lower income segments of society may often get drowned amidst the festive cheer. They seem to be at the receiving end of a vicious cycle of hardships. But these vendors are hopeful that life would get better and that they could start the New Year afresh. 

Little children demand items like one of Santa Clause made of plastic, but this mother in the picture may have cut something from her shopping list for Christmas just to give into her daughter’s demands this festive season