Christmas in Coimbatore: Traditions, food, and festive vibes

The stars of Puliakulam At Preethi’s Unique Fancy House in Coimbatore | Photo Credit: PERIASAMY M S Vincy is seated within a tiny galaxy of stars in Puliakulam. Her roadside shop at a street corner, some distance from St Antony’s church, is lit up by Christmas stars and lights. “There are stars in paper and plastic, as well as those studded with LED lights. Choose your pick,” she says, emerging from her position on a plastic chair in the middle of Christmas paraphernalia. Vincy sells fairy lights, streamers, Christmas trees, cribs, and Nativity set figurines her husband Antony Raj sources from wholesale shops in Ernakulam. Season’s greetings from Coimbatore’s Puliakulam | Photo Credit: PERIASAMY M Vincy sets up the makeshift shop towards the end of November, but business picks up a week before Christmas. “This year, plastic stars are in trend,” she says, pointing to yellow and blue stars with a row of LED lights framing them. “These are among our new arrivals.” She sells Nativity set figurines in clay and resin, ranging from five to 12 inches in height. “They consist of 12 pieces, including Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, sheep, and the three kings,” she says. Vincy’s home, located in a by-lane behind the shop, has been done up with lights, stars and a Christmas tree. “My husband, a catechist at St Antony’s church, makes it a point to do this every year,” smiles Vincy. “He chooses the kind of décor and lighting with care.” Christmas cribs at a shop in Puliakulam | Photo Credit: PERIASAMY M Vincy was born and raised in Puliakulam and says that during her younger years, her family couldn’t afford much in terms of Christmas décor. “My mother would hang a small star in front of our home and nothing more,” she says. When customers trickle down and Vincy is alone in her stall with nothing but her stars for company, she thinks about how her life has changed for the better. “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by stars every Christmas season,” she grins. Across the road from her stall is Preethi’s Unique Fancy House that boasts cheerful inflatable Santas at the entrance. M Preethi, who owns the store that sells everything from stationery, cosmetics, and toys through the year, explains how she stocks up on Christmas décor in November and December. On December 1, her store dons a new look: that of stars, Santas and lights. Her shelves are packed with Nativity figurines and colourful baubles. “For three weeks, I focus on all things Christmas,” she says, adding that she sources her ware from Bengaluru. Her shop’s highlight this year are collapsable trees that come affixed with springs. “They open up once pulled and can be easily stored at home after the festive season,” says Preethi. These are available in four ft to eight ft-tall options. “We have churches approaching us for the eight ft-tall trees,” she explains. Decked up for Christmas in Puliakulam | Photo Credit: PERIASAMY M Her shop also...

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