Christmas has come to town as a number of local businesses try to bring cheer and joy to the community. 

While some have pointed out it is a more muted Christmas than past years, there are merrymakers continuing to put in the effort. 

Alexandra’s Courthouse Cafe has continued to set the bar, with a Grinchy Christmas theme this year. 

The Grinch has made the Courthouse Cafe his home for Christmas. 

Courthouse Cafe’s Barry Farrell says his cafe takes pride and joy in their front counter displays, which it has become well-known for. 

“Our plan was to try and get a festive spirit on,” Barry says. “We decided to bring the Grinch in, because Covid has kind of stolen Christmas a little bit in some ways. 

“Not too many shops are doing much this year, I think it has just been a bit tough for some. 

“It’s more for the kids than anyone else. We love to have them come in and get excited.”

Courthouse Cafe has put on a typically great Christmas display. 

Barry says he and his family will be at home this year, with a rare few days off over Christmas and New Year’s. 

Jamie’s Jewellers Rachel Vellacott says the store is getting into the swing of this, as they particularly love Christmas. 

They even have their own resident elf named Kelvin, who has his own social media. 

Jamie’s Jewellers has a classical Christmas display, complete with elves on the shelves. 

“We always do Christmas, we absolutely love Christmas, Rachel says. 

“ It is a happy time of year, and it makes many people happy. It’s supposed to be a happy time and we try to make that happen. 

“It’s very cool, I love that we do it and I’d love to see the rest of the community get into the cheer as well.” 

Central Otago District Council spokesperson says the CODC has attempted to bring cheer to the streets of Central. 

“Christmas flags have been erected in Alexandra on various lighting poles as they have for many years now. These were erected Tuesday last week,” the spokesperson says. 

“Cromwell has decorations in the Mall and also flags on various light poles.”

Central Interior, formerly trading as Colourplus, has a great little Christmas display in their window. 

Central Interior’s Dawn Sutherland says their Christmas display was a little rushed this year, as the business undergoes some changes. 

“We did not have as much time to spend this year as we normally do to spread the Christmas Cheer with the windows, due to circumstances.

“We have left the Colourplus Franchise and are now trading independently as Central Interiors. No doubt the team have advised you of these changes.

“It’s onwards and upwards for us for next year, but will be challenging, no doubt.

“I have talked to the team, and we will do a big blurb next year with you once we have found a new location for Central Interiors as we have to be out of Tarbert Street on 31 January 2022.”

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