The Washington Times

Worst Christmas shopping season since 2008

Washington played the Grinch that stole Christmas this year as the partisan impasse over the budget deficit instilled fear that the nation will fall over the “fiscal cliff,” dashing consumer holiday spirits and spending.

Shoppers browse store fronts at Silver Sands Premium Outlets on Wednesday Dec. 26, 2012 in Destin, Fla. (AP Photo/ Northwest Florida Daily News, Nick Tomecek)

Shoppers browse store fronts at Silver Sands Premium Outlets on Wednesday Dec. 26, 2012 in Destin, Fla. (AP Photo/ Northwest Florida Daily News, Nick Tomecek)

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