The Netherlands entered into a strict Christmas lockdown driving desperate Dutch shopkeepers to demand government reimbursements for sales lost, as Omicron keeps spreading in European nations. Prime Minister Mark Rutte declared the shutdown in an announcement Saturday, ordering the closure of all services, including gyms, hairdressers, restaurants, and other public places. Only essential services are allowed to remain open. While the lockdown is expected to last till Jan. 24, the news came as a shock to many people as they rushed to get a last-minute haircut and stock up on holiday essentials. “I stand here tonight in a somber mood. And a lot of people watching will feel that way too,” Rutte told a news conference. “To sum it up in one sentence, the Netherlands will go back into lockdown from tomorrow.” “I can now hear the whole of the Netherlands sighing. This is exactly one week before Christmas, another …