Where has the Christmas spirit has gone?
That's what a Whanganui mum is asking after shops refused to let her 10-year-old son play carols outside their stores.
Young busker Marcus Nyssen has been playing his violin outside NZ Gifts on Victoria Ave at Christmas for the past two years. But this year that store has closed down.
Not to be deterred, mum Julie Nyssen asked another store to let him play outside their property, only to be told that Marcus had to play Christmas carols that they chose.
"I tried a second store and the owner seemed thrilled by the idea," said Mrs Nyssen.
Mum, I don't think I want to do this again next year
"But when we got there she made Marcus stand away from the store where there was no shade, and it was a hot day.
"Then she went inside, shut the door and turned on her radio."
Marcus and his mother tried the Saturday River Traders Market, managing to raise $120 for a school raffle. But then a disgruntled stallholder told Marcus to "scram".
"He came up to me and said: 'Mum, I don't think I want to do this again next year.'
"What I want to know is where's the Christmas spirit gone? Back in the day storekeepers would have been thrilled by it."
Mrs Nyssen says the money raised usually goes towards violin lessons or the odd treat.
"At Christmas he fills his stocking with lollies and shares them with his siblings."
Mrs Nyssen said her son usually practised every other day but put in extra effort leading up to Christmas.
"He puts in an hour each morning, which is pretty good for a 10-year-old.
"It's a really good tool to motivate him - I can say, 'You better practise, Christmas is coming soon'."
She said the effort had paid off with Marcus winning the Richdale Cup for junior violin at Wanganui Competitions Society's annual music competition two years in a row.
"I don't understand it ... it's not as though he sounds bad. Though I'm his mum, I think I can says he is pretty good."
Mrs Nyssen would like to ask the store owners of Whanganui to let her son play his violin outside their business.
"I am wondering if the Christmas spirit can be found somewhere in town?" she said.
• If you would like Marcus to hang his bowstring outside your store front this Christmas, contact 027 233 0243 or james.baker@wanganuichronicle.co.nz