The south coast of Upolu is abuzz and gearing up for Christmas as people arrive from abroad to visit relatives for the first time after borders have opened up to international travel. 

A guest at the Lalomanu Beach Fales spoke to Samoa Observer under condition of anonymity, brought her mother to visit said their families in the village are very happy to connect with her mother. 

"My mother's brother passed away during the pandemic, so I had to bring my mum to meet her families here," she said. 

 "Now mum does not want to go back to Apia, but we plan to do it and then return next week."

Meanwhile the church members are learning songs through the week to gear up for the Christmas celebrations. The sound of choir songs can be heard coming from the churches as one passes by in the evenings.

The beach fale operators are also starting their Christmas celebrations with gifts for the staff. 

"We are doing a Christmas party with items to be performed by the teams," said Matini, an employee of the beach. 

"Three years ago, we had a really good party so I think everyone cannot wait to celebrate."  

A beach fale operator Sina Ale Taufua told Samoa Observer that she is not planning to do anything special or lower prices. 

" We cannot do any specials yet, but we will be open. It's been a tough time through the pandemic and we are working on renovations,"  she said.

Lydia Sini of Litia Sini's Beach Resort said she is going to be closed for Christmas as it is the only time her family can take a break. 

"We are still renovating for full operation, but we definitely will close on Christmas Day because we want to spend it with our kids and families," she said. 

Supermarkets on the coast are playing Christmas songs, along with the local buses. Shops are seeing an increase in business as people converge from abroad and along with them returning seasonal workers. 

Fiso and Mika, who caught octopuses on Monday afternoon told Samoa Observer that the low tide was a good time to catch the seafood.

"The low tide was good to go catch the octopuses. I don't think there was going to be a tsunami. So we just went," Fiso said.