Goa/Chennai, Dec 24: Prices of imported items, particularly those made in China, are soaring this Christmas season.

Goa, once a Portuguese colony, used to celebrate Christmas in traditional way by making use of homemade or locally-made items like candies, stars, bells and small figures of animals and birds, but for the last two years decorative items are being imported from China.

"I love Christmas. This year, I feel goods are very expensive in the market. The prices of goods, be it sweets or decorative items have gone up by 10-20 per cent," said Celina Fenandes, a housewife.

With growing demand, the prices of Chinese-made imported items have also gone up.

"People in Goa only eye for Chinese products, they don't even look at local items. Chinese items are very popular. The items this year are costly in comparison to last year. People come from abroad to buy goods from here.  Africans come and take items in a big container so we are left with very few items," said Dilip Kote, a vendor selling decorative items.

This year not only decorative items have flooded the market but fruits like grapes, peas and kiwis from Australia, green and red apples from Washington, sweet tamarind from Malaysia, watermelon from America and peas from China have arrived in the market.

In fact plums and custard apples imported from across the world are also expected before Christmas.

Meanwhile, others parts of the country are equally upbeat about Christmas preparations and Chennai is not behind in the celebration.

Chennai is organising various activities under the theme 'Season of love' to celebrate Christmas in a grand manner.

A 65-feet Christmas tree towers above visitors who are flocking the venue to enjoy the festive season. The tree has been decorated by different kinds of lights and balloons.

"We want the public to come, enjoy and share the season of Christmas. So, we have put up a 65-feet Christmas tree - the tallest Christmas tree, the longest cake, a lovely crib and a lovely Santa house. We are going to have programmes everyday," said, Lata, an organiser of the event.

Men in Santa Claus costumes are attracting children, welcoming them at the event and giving gifts. (ANI)