Christmas Market embraces the festive season

There was a quiet hum of activity inside Barrhead Elementary School gym over the weekend.

Although the room had become a magnet for Christmas shoppers, there was no clamour for sales, no haggling, no stress – only friendly faces and an attractive array of merchandise.

It was an occasion that catered to every sense while embracing the festive season. On one table there were colourful handmade quilts, scarves and hats, on the next a display of scents, from spa fragrances to the aroma of flowers.

Further down the line were nuts and an epicurean spread of herbs and spices, while opposite were pieces of twisted caramel corn and fudge.

Walk a few paces and the eye was caught by healing salves for psoriasis, eczema and other ailments. Then turn around and you could see children being photographed with Santa Claus and next to them someone playing a guitar or singing carols.

The Festival of Trees’ annual Christmas Market was a family occasion which kept adults and children constantly engaged.

Forming a backdrop to tables bearing crafts and goods were reminders of the time of year … eighteen Christmas trees lined two of the walls.

The trees were decorated with multi-coloured lights, balls and other adornments. With one, a special effect was used to give the impression of falling snow.

The trees were auctioned off later in the evening following a gala dinner and comedy show featuring Kevin McGrath. Money raised from the auction was donated to a local charity of the winner’s choice.

Festival of Trees organizer Cheryle Morris said she was delighted with the response to the market on Friday and Saturday.

“It has been really, really good,” she said.

The event had the feel of a cottage industry. Here were items that had been lovingly created by hand – whether quilts and clothes, special lotions or tasty treats. There was no sense of heavy factory machinery grinding out products en masse. Each table offered something different, whatever your age, gender or taste.

Flo Close, for instance, was selling baby and children wear. She does all the embroidery herself.

“I’ve done very well,” she said.

Opposite her was a table and rack bearing quilts, scarves, hats, coffee sleeves, a bag for baked potatoes and many other merchandise – all handmade by her sister Dee Campbell.

Next to Campbell was the Scentsy stall run by Janelle Wegewitz and her daughter Shyla. They said their products – including scents of bakery, flowers and Christmas – had aroused plenty of curiosity.

For anyone interested in healing products, Spring Lake Naturals was a must-visit stall.

Terry Caron and Kelly Postnikoff offered healing salves for all manner of ailments – psoriasis, eczema, cold sores, sprains, insect bites, diaper rash, burns, to name but a few. Their salves contained such ingredients as olive oil, beeswax, lavender oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil and calendula.

“It has been awesome today,” said Caron.

Shawnna Costello is a pleasure specialist, running her home-based business Victorian Pleasure Parties, which sells, among other things, spa products, lingerie and lotions.

The business is ideal at her stage in life, allowing her to look after her children, one-year-old Austin and Jacob, aged five, at home.

Throughout the two days, musicians and groups performed for 30-minute spots. Among them was the BES choir.