By Amelia Hornung
Each year, the holiday season results in lots of spending throughout America. Ninety six percent of Americans participate in gift buying for their families during the holiday season; and while the holidays should be a joyous time, many families struggle financially. Forty four percent of those who spend more than what they are capable of spending have, reportedly, little kids. Parents feel pressure to make the holidays a special time for their children with gift-giving. Since 2008, holiday spending has exponentially increased. The National Retail Federation says that Americans spend an average of $997.97 each year and that number is expected to go up.
In 2004, the national holiday sales were roughly $467.2 billion. Since then, that number has significantly increased to $936.3 billion. Of that amount, seventy one percent was spent on gifts. The rest was spent on things like food, decorations, and holiday activities. Approximately half of Americans begin their gift shopping before the end of October. In conclusion, the holiday season is a time when a lot of money is being spent throughout America, and it is only continuing to increase over time.