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