has cast a shadow on the "most wonderful time of the year."

"All Lebanese can blame the Lebanese political leaders for dashing their Christmas spirits," said Wadiha Najjar, a Christian lady living in the Muslim part of the capital.

For the Lebanese, it is the second consecutive Christmas without a festive mood due to the political crisis that has engulfed the country since December 1, 2006.

Last year and after six pro-Syrian ministers quit the western- backed cabinet of Fouad Siniora in November, thousands of opposition followers led by Hezbollah took the streets and camped in two squares facing the governmental palace in a bid to topple Siniora.

This year, it is the fight over the presidential elections which is keeping the Lebanese on the edge and threatening the stability in the country.

Lebanese leaders have been unable to reach an agreement on a consensus president to replace former president Emile Lahoud, whose term ended on November 23. The disagreement has plunged the country into a political vacuum.

So far eight parliamentary sessions to elect a president were postponed because a consensus was not reached among the rival leaders.

The political tension has impacted negatively on the people and they have stopped thinking of the future and are living from day-to day.

"Our leaders left us no choice .. but to live in fear and stop thinking of the good times like Christmas, New Year's and Adha (a Muslim Holiday) " said Nadia al Khalil, a Muslim from southern Lebanon.

Even children in Lebanon have lost the Christmas spirt. In the ABC department store in a Christian area of Beirut, a group of children gathered around Santa Claus to have their pictures taken with him.

Rita, a seven-year-old girl, walked up to Santa for the photo session and as she sat on his lap, asked him: "Do you think Santa will come to Lebanon and or he will not come because there will be a war soon?"

Astonished by the child's question, Santa assured Rita that there will be no war in Lebanon and Santa would bring lots of presents.

The Christmas and New Year's season has always been one of Lebanon's busiest rivaling the peak summer months. Shops had a hard time keeping shelves stocked in 2004. But this year sales are down 70 per cent and shops are empty, while clubs, bars and lounges are worried about their reservations for the Christmas and New Year' festivities.

"We are worried about the political situation in the country, most of the Arab tourists who usually come at this time of year, have chosen to go some place more peaceful," said the owner of pub- restaurant in Monot street.

"Our reservations are very low and we can barely make it into next year, if it stays this way," said George a bar tender in one of the pubs in Monot, a famous street in the city of bars and restaurants.

"We were hoping the leaders would reach a consensus this week .. so we can have a good season, but as I see it now, no chance," he added.

Even the extravagant decorations which usually give Beirut an air of festivity around this time of year are much more low key this Christmas.

Apart from the commercial depression, the most significant impact has been on the people of Lebanon. Most people are fed up with the political situation.

"It is hardly a Merry Christmas for us Lebanese, and it seems Santa won't be bringing Lebanon peace any time soon," said Raja Najjar, a teacher.

Sources: DPA

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