- Title: Santa pyjamas and decorations - Damascus draped in Christmas cheer
- Date: 24th December 2019
- Summary: MAN TAKING PICTURE OF CHILDREN POSING NEXT TO SANTA CLAUS VARIOUS OF PEOPLE WALKING PAST SANTA CLAUS AND SNOWMAN
- Embargoed: 7th January 2020 13:36
- Keywords: Christmas celebrations in Syria Christmas season in Damascus Santa Claus Santa Claus-themed decorations Syria
- Location: DAMASCUS, SYRIA
- City: DAMASCUS, SYRIA
- Country: Syria
- Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA003BBC3UC5
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Santa-themed mugs, decorations, ornaments and even lingerie lit up the Christmas mood in the Syrian capital Damascus, in a country hit hard by almost nine years of war and battered economy.
Shops are filled with Santa-themed lingerie and homewear, with sellers saying they prepare for the festive season at least two months in advance.
But with the Syrian economy shut out of the global financial system by Western sanctions, sellers and customers alike say many cannot afford to buy the goods.
Amin Al-Sous, father of four, says he has to set his own priorities.
International sanctions against the Syrian government, damage to the country's industry from the conflict, and panicked Syrians' sending their money abroad have pushed the Syrian currency down sharply during the war.
(Production: Kinda Makieh, Firas Makdesi) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2019. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
