Christmas In Crisis In Lebanon

Illustration (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Christmas in Lebanon is celebrated with several crises. The streets and markets have been jammed with last-minute Christmas necessities buyers in recent days, but this is not a sign of an improving economy or a sense of joy among the people. Rather, it reflects people who have given up because they can no longer find cheap goods.

Launching Arab News, Friday, December 25, workers in Lebanon lose about 80 percent of the value of their wages against the United States dollar (US). They can no longer even cover the cost of basic necessities, whose prices have skyrocketed. So how could they afford festive "luxuries" like gifts for the children and a delicious Christmas dinner?

"100,000 Lebanese pounds ($ 66) is not enough to buy detergent, toothpaste and shampoo," said Souad, a resident of Forn El-Chebbak in Beirut's southern suburbs. "So, how is it possible for a person with a salary of 800,000 Lebanese pounds to pay for basic food and food and drink?"

Toys and gifts for children that cost about 20,000 Lebanese pounds before the currency collapsed are now worth 120,000 Lebanese pounds or more. Meanwhile, imported toys from well-known foreign brands increased from 45,000 Lebanese pounds to 250,000 Lebanese pounds.

Gifts for adults are even more expensive. A pair of good quality shoes that used to sell for up to 300,000 Lebanese pounds now costs over 1 million Lebanese pounds.

"There is a weekly drop affecting our business, which has reached nearly 90 percent," said Ghassan, who owns a jewelery shop.

"Someone who used to be able to buy a necklace for 200 US dollars or 300,000 Lebanese pounds a year ago now has to pay 1.6 million Lebanese pounds, which is three times the country's minimum wage."

While the threats to health resulting from the COVID-19 crisis should not be underestimated, the pandemic may prove to be a blessing in disguise in financial disguise in Lebanon. This is because families can reduce food costs for Christmas celebrations by avoiding large family gatherings.

Expensive meats, sumptuous desserts and imported cheeses will not be on most Christmas party tables this year. A 200 gram plate of three types of cheese and a choice of processed meat now costs 350,000 Lebanese pounds, compared to last year's price of 60,000 Lebanese pounds.

Many of those who have left Lebanon in search of a better life have returned to the country to spend Christmas with their families. In recent days more than 7,000 people have returned to Beirut for holidays. Meanwhile more than 8,000 have arrived since early December. But the visitors are unlikely to bring much joy amidst the struggle against the crisis in Lebanon.

"The economic activity that accompanies the holiday has had a limited effect," said Ghassan Abou Jaoude, who owns a clothing store near the Palace of Justice in Beirut.

"When the holidays are over, every trader should compare the costs and benefits and will find that staying at home is cheaper than piling up more debt," he explained.