Christmas season’s unprecedented

Christmas décor is selling out faster than usual as Americans look to fill the cold winter pandemic days with more lights, trees, and ornaments. Retailers typically plan according to the sales from the previous year based on economic forecasts and other indicators to stock the stores, but this year the demand surpassed their estimates. Christmas tree farmers say that this season is unprecedented, with many people wanting to start a new tradition or get a real tree for the first time. The tree sales are seeing a 20 percent increase.

President Trump signed an executive order which makes Christmas Eve an official federal holiday this year. Former Presidents have given federal workers a half-day in the past, but this is the first time a fully-paid day off is given to employees. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on Sunday that Germans would be forced into a strict lockdown ahead of Christmas due to the increase in coronavirus deaths. Starting Wednesday, December 16, nonessential stores and schools will be closed, and companies are encouraged to offer employees extended holidays or allow them to work from home.