This Sunday I traded at St Nicholas Market in Bristol, which opens only during the festive season. The morning began with a striking sunrise — a bright orange sun filling the sky with warm light and colour. It was beautiful enough to make me pause and take it in before setting off for the day.
Sundays at the market are shorter, running from 10am to 4pm, but with clear skies and crisp winter air, many people stopped to browse, talk, and take their time. It was a pleasure trading alongside a new Japanese trader friend, and an unexpected highlight was meeting a Japanese artist visiting her while staying in Bristol. These moments of cultural connection are part of what makes market days so special.
The wind was strong — strong enough to break a mirror I was particularly fond of and to damage a few pieces — but even so, it was an enjoyable and memorable Sunday. Days like this, with their mix of beauty, challenge, and human connection, are what make trading at the Christmas market so meaningful.