By: Jen Bundy
Christmas is supposedly the merriest time of the year. However, Christmas spirit might be dimmed this year due to budget cuts. Streets that were once draped in bright lights and wreaths, now only have one small Santa sign. The festive seasonal activities such as Santa sleigh rides, Christmas Concerts, and light displays have been canceled across the United States. The economic struggles felt in hundreds of cities and towns, seems to be hitting this holiday season hard.
The anticipation of Christmas becomes bleaker each day as more and more towns cancel Christmas traditions. Towns such as Mount Sterling, Kentucky and LaPorte, Indiana had to eliminate light displays from their budgets. Brunswick, Ohio was forced to reduce lighting downtown and cancel the annual fireworks show. Bob Zienkowski, City Manager, says, “Its one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make. I’ve had e-mails and calls calling me everything from Scrooge to the Grinch…but just as many calls from people saying you have to live within your means.” The reality many towns are facing, is should money be put towards Christmas decorations or schools? This choice is usually obvious and in the long run the effects will be great. Many may be angered over these budget cuts, but by the time January comes all will be forgotten. Christmas lights may not be shining so brightly this year, but many towns are relying on the spirit of the holidays to spread Christmas joy. And the spirit of Christmas will never be put out.
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