Pandemic-weary shoppers getting a jump on Christmas cheer

More than six weeks remain until Dec.25, but it seems likewe're in need of some Christmas magic earlier than ever this year.

Indeed, in many householdsthe tree's already up and lights already strung in a bid to make spirits bright during the pandemic, and that has at least one Ottawa business ownerbrimming with cheer.

"Business is booming," saidAudy Czigler, owner of Tinseltown Christmas Emporium on Somerset Street Westin Ottawa'sHintonburgneighbourhood.

We need sparkly now!- Francine Guiet, Christmas shopper

Czigler said customers started purchasing festive merchandise as far back as June."People were excited about Christmas this year."

Current restrictions permit a maximumof 18 shoppers to wander his showroom at a time, but Czigler said he's also doing a booming business online at a time when other retailers are suffering.

"We know that a lot of other businesses are not singing the same song right now," he said.

Lights in the darkness

"We need sparkly right now!" said Francine Guiet as she loaded up on decorations at Czigler'sstore.

Guiet said she usually doesn't begin her holiday prep until December, but this year thingsare different.

"This year it's more important to get some stuff that's shiny and happy with the whole COVID situation," said Guiet, who added she's holding out hope her grandkids can visit on Christmas Day.

Even the annual choreof putting up outdoor Christmas lights holdsgreater meaning for her this year. As the days grow shorter, Guiet said the colourful lights are like a beacon of hope in the gloom, especially during a pandemic.

"I am putting positive energy out into the world," she said. "We will get through this."

Customer Kim Lafondsaidfor the first time in more than 50 years, she won't be spending the holidays with her family on the East Coast.

"This year's a bit tougher for us, because we probably won't get home,"Lafondsaid with a tear in her eye. "So you try to make it as festive as you can and try to make it it special for your family, and some new ornaments always help."

Decoratinga stress-reliever

Hanging those decorations while the Christmas carols play in the background may be just what the doctor ordered,according to psychologist Nafissa Ismail, research chair in stress and mental health at the University of Ottawa.

"Lightand music stimulate our brain to release our own dopamine, release our ownnorepinephrine,whichhelps us regulate our stress level," Ismail said.

We need sparkly right now

4 years ago

Duration 1:56

Tinseltown Christmas Emporium customers talk about why, during a pandemic, we are craving more Christmas cheer this year.

Whetherit's Christmas or another cultural festival, Ismail saidtheserituals help activate regions ofthe brain where memories of bettertimes are stored.

"Associated with family gatherings ... having a meal together, sharing love, happiness and so on," she said."And this is something that all Canadians need more than ever this year."

Czigler saidthe glitter of the holiday season is alsoa welcome relief for those exhausted by U.S.politics.

"My product is like whipped cream:nobody needs it, but it's that nice little topping that makes you feel great."