Just in time for Christmas, unemployment benefits, which average $302.90 a week, are starting to run out for about 2 million Americans. Unless Congress acts, more will join their ranks. The Washington Post reports on what it’s like to tell your 9-year-old there aren’t going to be presents this year. — PZS

Washington Post:

That means Christmas is out of the question for Wayne Pittman, 46, of Lawrenceville, Ga., and his wife and 9-year-old son. The carpenter was working up to 80 hours a week at the beginning of the decade, but saw that gradually drop to 15 hours before it dried up completely. His last $297 check will go to necessities, not presents.

“I have a little boy, and that’s kind of hard to explain to him,” Pittman said.

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