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.