Economic crisis dampens Singapore's Christmas spirit<\/p>\n
By Jasmina Kuzmanovic<\/p>\n
SINGAPORE (AP): For the first time in years, an economic
\ncrisis has forced this rich island nation to cut down on
\npreparations for Christmas, usually one of its biggest
\nentertainment and shopping events.<\/p>\n
Only 12 percent of Singapore's 3.1 million people are
\nChristians, but overdressed Santas sweat in tropical Singapore
\nfrom November to January, shortly before this predominantly
\nChinese population marks the Lunar New Year.<\/p>\n
Though the trappings may not always be right -- last year Santa
\narrived in some malls on horseback -- the city-state in years past
\nglowed with bright decorations as Singaporeans jammed the stores.<\/p>\n
But the regional economic downturn means Saint Nick's sack
\nwill be lighter than usual this year.<\/p>\n
Not that he didn't make an effort to boost spirits in these
\nhard times.<\/p>\n
Strings of lights and stars still glimmer above Orchard Road,
\nSingapore's plush shopping avenue. In front of the Goodwood Park
\nHotel, voted the best-decorated, Santa looms in a huge sleigh
\npulled by gigantic reindeer.<\/p>\n
But the lights are fewer this year, tourists and Christmas
\ntrees fewer, and Singaporeans seem to be bracing for deep wage
\ncuts.<\/p>\n
\"I'm only buying presents for children,\" said Deema Bakar,
\ngazing at a toy shop display recently. \"The rest of the family
\nwill have to do without gifts for a while.\"<\/p>\n
Though this prosperous country has escaped the worst of the
\ncrisis, the government recently launched a S$6 billion cost-
\ncutting package that will slash salaries and benefits in January.<\/p>\n
Unemployment has doubled to 4.5 percent in recent months, and
\nmany Singaporeans worry that the era of free-spending may have
\nfinally ended.<\/p>\n
Like most hotels and malls, the Goodwood Park has cut its
\ndecoration budget from $50,000 (US$30,000) to $20,000.<\/p>\n
\"So this year our kitchen artist dreamt up the design, and our
\nengineers and maintenance crew did the construction,\" said Cindy
\nHuang-Chan, its head of public relations.<\/p>\n
At nearby Tanglin Mall, shoppers are greeted by fake snow,
\nartificial fog and real bubbles. Santa sits quietly in a little
\nhouse, as if speculating how much his property has sunk in value
\nsince the last visit.<\/p>\n
Children buzz around the mall's Christmas fair, where some
\ngifts can be bought for as little as S$10. But most shops are far
\nfrom crowded.<\/p>\n
\"This is a big difference from last year,\" said Josie Sze, who
\nexpects sales to drop 20 to 30 percent this year in her arts and
\ncrafts boutique. \"Singaporeans are mostly coming to see the
\ndecorations, and tourists are much fewer than in previous
\nseasons.\"<\/p>\n
One of prime casualties of the crisis, Singapore's tourist
\narrivals is expected to decline this year by 16 percent after
\nyears of attracting 7 to 8 million people annually.<\/p>\n
For some, the economic downturn is a warning to sober up after
\npast spending frenzies.<\/p>\n
\"I think it's horrible how much we used to spend for the
\nholiday season,\" said Angeline Teo, a 32-year-old lawyer. She
\nbought a plastic tree this year, and sent the money she saved to
\nher cousins in Malaysia.<\/p>",
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