Syrians are trying their best to maintain a Christmas atmosphere despite difficulties
As Christmas is approaching, shops in many markets in Damascus have started to show Christmas trees and decorating items (such as balls, bells, stars…etc), whose prices vary from one location to another and in accordance to quality.
The beauty of Christmas trees attracts people to ask about their prices in the markets that are currently witnessing sluggish sales, according to owners of many shops in Al-Aroneyeh area in Damascus.
A 50-year-old grandfather, who is a teacher in a school in Jaramana area, told Syria Times : “As my monthly salary is 120,000 Syria Pounds (around $20) and the prices of all items -mainly food and clothes- reached unprecedented level, I will not decorate my house for the feast this year.”
The price of 20- 35cm-length tree ranges between 15,000 Syrian pounds (SYP) and SYP40,000 (According to the quality), while the price of a tree with a length of one meter and 65 cm ranges between SYP.300,000 to SYP 1,950,000, the owner of a shop in Qassa’a market in Damascus told us,
He added that the prices of Santa Claus models ranges from SYP. 22,500 to SYP.to 450,000, and the price of the Santa Claus costume hits SYP. 400,000.
These prices have left Mrs. Kholoud, a resident of Al-Qasaa neighborhood, with no choice but to use the old tree, which she has at her house to make her three kids happy for Christmas.
“Those who have old trees at their houses will not buy new one….The low income that is not enough to meet the main needs this year has led many people to resort to making their own decorations , such as drawing Santa Claus on papers and cutting them in a beautiful geometric shape and hanging them as well as crumpling papers after coloring them and then hanging them on the tree,” she added.
Mrs. Ritta told us: ” The lowest prices of decoration supplies are out of my budget this year, so I will buy only a small tree and one LED lighting strip.”
While Mr.Abo Fadi told us angrily and briefly: “I will not buy a tree this year.”
Mr. Ayham, a father of 2 kids said: “in the past years, I used to disguise myself as Santa Claus to bring joy to the hearts of kids, but this year I will not be able to do that because the costume, which I have is worn out and I do not have enough money to buy a new one.”
Briefly, the Syrian Christians are trying their best to maintain a Christmas atmosphere despite the acute economic situation which the country is passing through due to western sanctions and the theft of its resources.
Reported by : Basma Qaddour