France, Nov. 27 -- The Christmas lightsare twinkling on Europe's most famous street,the Champs-Elysees, despite France's push to save power this winter. Because of the European energy crisis, the festive decorations on the celebrated avenue will be turned off earlier than usual.

"We must keepChristmas even in these difficult times -even despitethe international situation and what is happening in Europe,with the climate and problems everywhere," saidMarc-Antoine Jamet, directorof the Champs-Elysees Committee.

The association, which organizes the annual display,announced it would switch the lightsoff at 11.45pm instead of 2am -except forChristmas Eve and New Year's Eve -in order to reduce energy useby44 percentoverthe festive period.

The...