He is unemployed. He has a wife and five children ranging in age from 8-13. He has already told his offspring what they didn't want to hear.

"Christmas will have to wait."

James Smith was one of about 800 standing in line on a stormy Wednesday at a job fair for Legacy Chevrolet. The location was the former Bill Heard lot on Manchester Expressway.

"The kids really didn't take it too hard," said the 39-year-old Columbus man who has been seeking work since spring and is now in a one-salary family. "They understand. They've already seen the way we've had to cut back on items such as clothes. They know the gifts they want will come later. We'll still find a way to enjoy the season."

He said the family will miss the annual trip to see his father in Tennessee.

"It’s really hard being in this situation, but things will get better."

There were others at the job fair who talked about how unemployment was going to affect them during the holidays.

Brandi Robinson, 25, said being without a job makes it difficult for her to do something she loves.

"I have four nieces and I usually try to help out their mothers, who are also struggling, by getting the children a lot of presents. I will have to cut back in that area and I hate it."

Shopping for herself will suffer too.

"No new Christmas outfit," she said.

Smiling, she mentioned that her dog also will find less in its stocking if she doesn't get work. "Just food."

Read the complete story at ledger-enqurier.com