If you’re browsing Broad Street Mall today you might think Christmas has come early.
The shopping centre has been decked out with hanging baubles, angels and a festive tree.
Santa has been thoughtful enough to install a mailbox beneath the decorations so children can write him a letter.
“I’m a softy for Christmas,” said Steven Connolly, Broad Street Mall’s new general manager.
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“Christmas this year is about putting a smile on people’s faces. We’ve all had a tough couple of years and haven’t had a proper Christmas for what seems like a long time.”
The Random Acts of Kindness Reindeer are two people who may make you smile, as well as the angel wings selfie-station.
A festive bench has also been decorated for families wanting a more traditional Christmas photo to send to friends.
“The thrust of this is to put a smile on people’s faces and remind eachother that it’s about togetherness and the love of one another and looking after eachother,” said Mr Connolly.
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One way to look out for someone else is the malls ‘giving tree,’ where shoppers can donate money which will be used to buy a child a present.
“It’s nice if you can go out and you’re not just buying presents for eachother then, you’re buying it for somebody who is more in need.”
Next Saturday, cheeky elves will be in the mall playing jokes on shoppers and on December 23, there will be a Christmas choir performance.
Due to coronavirus rules, all must wear a mask inside the shops of the mall.
“It’s almost a continuation of looking after each other - something we should be doing in life anyway,” said Mr Connolly when the restriction was reintroduced.
He added: “If we’re all following the current guidance, wearing masks and giving eachother space, there’s not reason why it should be affecting our Christmas shopping – I know I’ll still be going out there and doing my Christmas shopping in the stores.”
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