Nurse shares love of Christmas in pop up shop

DOING GOOD: Catherine McKinlay, a nurse at Wairarapa Hospital, in her pop up shop The Night Before Christmas, in Perry St, Masterton. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

One Masterton nurse's idea of a summer break is setting up and running a shop full of Christmas goodies.

Catherine McKinlay is a theatre nurse at Wairarapa Hospital and for the third year running she has used her annual leave to set up a pop up shop.

The Night Before Christmas, on Perry St, sells trees, decorations, wreaths and garlands, festive linen, lights, candles, wrapping and ornaments.

"It is so much fun. I have a fetish for Christmas and I wanted to share it," Mrs McKinlay said.

"I was always in awe of going to other Christmas shops and thought I would love to do that.

"I hit the magic number and thought no, I won't buy a sports car, I'll do the Christmas shop."

The mother-of-three said her favourite part of the job was witnessing customer's positivity and enthusiasm. People came in to the shop to get ideas or show Mrs McKinlay pictures of their festive home decorating jobs.

"I love seeing people's creations and I think the shop's something different for Masterton."

The Night Before Christmas is open everyday 9am - 5.30pm until Christmas Eve. During the 12 days of Christmas events it will be open late nights.

Mrs McKinlay describes the prices as "middle of the range" and makes sure she has items for $5 for children wanting to buy their teachers gifts. She said running the store did not feel like working a job.

"People have been so positive and receptive - it's such a buzz."