"Syntagma Square without a tree".
Extensive article - tribute to the "poor" Christmas of Athens affected by the crisis hosted by Times, who emphasize that as a sign of the gloomy situation that prevails in Greece, under the weight of the increased austerity that has been imposed on the citizens, there is no traditional Christmas tree in the heart of Athens…
The decision, the publication continues, not to decorate a Christmas tree in Syntagma Square was taken by the mayor in an effort to reduce spending, as the country is plagued by the worst recession in almost four decades.
According to the Times, it is not only the Christmas tree that is missing from Athens. There is neither the carousel, nor the small houses that sold sweets to passers-by last Christmas.
Also, the Athenians did not go shopping. "Even Hermes, a street that could be likened to Oxford Street in London, was much quieter than in other years."
Source: Newsbeast.gr