VERONA, Italy In cities across Europe, officials are wrestling with a choice as energy prices have gone up because of Russia s war in Ukraine: Dim Christmas lighting to send a message of energy conservation and solidarity with citizens squeezed by higher utility bills and inflation, while protecting public coffers. Or let the lights blaze in a message of defiance after two years of pandemic-suppressed Christmas seasons, illuminating cities with holiday cheer that retailers hope will loosen people s purse strings.
VERONA, Italy - Early season merrymakers sipping mulled wine and shopping for holiday decorations packed the Verona Christmas market for its inaugural w