Along the streets, one could easily tell that the metropolis was ready for the yuletide.

Shoes, red hats, toys and different shapes and sizes of hampers, drinks, biscuits, wrappers, and firecrackers among other things were on display.

A visit by the Ghana News Agency to the Takoradi Mall and some big shops in the area saw enthusiastic crowd doing some shopping ahead of the festive season.

The GNA also observed some prices of goods were discounted to get more customers to purchase.

Some shops too were giving out gifts to customers to show appreciation to them for their service and loyalty throughout the year.

Some traders told the GNA that though people were not trooping in large numbers to shop, they hoped the atmosphere would change by the weekend.

Madam Elizabeth Opare, a gift shop owner, said business had not been good as expected, especially for this year's Christmas.

"Few people had placed orders of different kinds of gifts for loved ones, we hope for a good turnout," she said.

"I also think because parents and guardians are enrolling their wards in various senior high schools, we are not getting the numbers expected to patronise our goods."

Madam Abigail Adjei, a boutique shop owner, urged customers and the public to be on guardespecially when buying online.

"Certain individuals will use this festive season to scam people, thus the public should beware of online marketing fraudsters" she said.

Some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) had also seized the opportunity to organise health screening for people ahead of the festive season to aid in a healthy celebration.

Christmas is celebrated across the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and served as a period of reunion for most families across the world.