Just as in the rest of the world, Christmas in the city means big business. Although rather late by Western standards, Bangkok stores and shopping malls will begin putting up their decorations during the end of October. By December, the Christmas festivities will be in full swing and the entire city will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Every building, bridge and street light will be positively festooned in colorful, twinkling lights and decorations; the tuk-tuk drivers will be sporting Santa hats and at the bigger stores Santa Claus himself will be greeting Christmas shoppers with his palms pressed together in a wai, the traditional Thai greeting.