Auctioneer's column: On to the festive month of December!

After the busy period around the Trade Fair Aalsmeer, it’s time for auctioneer Edwin Chrispijn to look ahead. The festive month of December is just around the corner. A month that’s always dominated by Christmas. But the big question for many is: is December essential or simply the icing on the cake?

Now that the Trade Fair Aalsmeer has come to an end, flowers and plant sales have clearly picked up again. Visitors have gathered new ideas and are preparing for the Christmas season. This is reflected on the clock: there’s an increased supply of winter and Christmas products such as Amaryllis, Ilex, tulips and cut foliage such as Ruscus.

We are seeing the first fully Dutch tulip products. Meaning both the bulbs and the production are from the Netherlands. The supply of glitter, wax and other Christmas decorations is also increasing rapidly. Roses, tulips and chrysanthemums are getting a Christmas upgrade and are being traded again with added value for consumers.

Plants on the rise

For plants, both prices and availability are on the rise for hyacinths, Skimmia, Helleborus, Schlumbergera, poinsettias and Amaryllis in pots or with wax. Advent wreaths and Christmas trees are also in high demand right now. Pot roses and Kalanchoë, however, traditionally face a tough time during this period.

What’s particularly interesting is that Mother's Day in Eastern Europe – which, unlike Western Europe, is not in spring – has a major impact on sales of chrysanthemums and Lisianthus. Chrysanthemums, in particular, are purchased in large quantities, which naturally drives prices up.

December: an exciting month

December is a crucial month for seasonal products such as poinsettias, Schlumbergera, Amaryllis wax bulbs and Christmas trees such as Picea and Nordmanniana. During this short period, it’s essential that they achieve strong prices.

For year-round products, the question is: will there be icing on the cake? Can they, in addition to the traditional red and white, piggyback on the Christmas hype with other colours? If so, a strong finish could be within reach. Still, the colours yellow, orange and pink traditionally struggle to achieve good prices during this period.

Time for reflection

The end of the year is almost in sight, so it's time to take stock. In addition to the financial balance sheet, I always find it valuable to look back: Where did my energy go this year? What lessons can I take with me to start 2026 with positive energy?