Red-y for the festivities: Red lanterns with running lights are among the most sought after decorations at Xin Loong Trendy in Ipoh. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: The economy may not be robust but this has not stopped people from buying decorations for their homes for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration.
Many, however, are opting for simple decorations to build up the festive atmosphere.
Special education teacher Lemon Aw, 47, said she would just get a few decorations with dragon motifs for her house and school.
“It has always been the culture for us to put up decorations.
“I just need something simple to be put on doors and walls, and will also hang up some small lanterns on my porch,” she said when met at Xin Loong Trendy, a retailer selling decorations here.
“I have two adult daughters, so I am not looking for anything special or cute for my home.
“It’s more about creating the mood or atmosphere for the celebrations,” she added.
As for her school, Aw said she would buy some decorations with cartoon dragons.
“I also plan to pick up some materials for them to create their own decorations during our handicraft session,” she added.
Retired logistics manager Pang Kwai Weng, 65, said he was also looking for something simple for his home.
“I bought some decorative flowers and stickers with a dragon motif. I don’t need to put up anything special as my three children and two grandchildren will only be back for a few days,” he said.
“It will just be a simple celebration with my family,” he added.
For a clerk who only wants to be known as Chen, it is never too early to start decorating for the lunar new year.
The 42-year-old said she would rather not procrastinate as there would be a number of things to do as the celebrations get nearer.
“I know that there is still more than a month to go, but it’s better to get started now.
“I just have to stick some decorations on my front door, put up a few lanterns on my porch, and also set up a small tree with decorations in my home,” she said.
Xin Loong Trendy owner Vincent Wong said his shop started selling decorative items towards the end of December.
“Business has been good so far, as a lot of people started to buy the decoration items early.”
