How Much Do We Actually Spend on Christmas?

Christmas is almost here.

We're all rushing around buying presents, sending Christmas cards, going to parties, getting ready for the big day.

It all add up to a lot of time, and, a lot of money.

What do you think we really spend on Christmas?While some economists disagree about the overall benefit of massive holiday shopping, there’s no doubt retailers make the most of the giving (and the purchasing) spirit in December.

Spending trends vary from year to year, often reflecting the state of the economy, but a substantial amount of money gets passed around regardless.

Car Pettit, of AllChristmas.fm, writes more than 90 million people will travel more than 50 miles during the Christmas season, which means the highways and the skies above will get pretty crowded.

Americans will dish out about $6.5 billion on Christmas cards this year, with women buying 80 percent of those cards. Also, close to a billion dollars’ worth of imported holiday decorations (mostly from China) will land on our shores, and in our stores, if they’re not here already.

Most of us will feed ourselves very well during the Yuletide season. Around 22 million turkeys will give up the Christmas ghost so we can satiate our appetites. About 1.7 billion candy canes will be produced, along with nearly 20 million chocolate Saint Nicks. If only he knew how many people were biting off his head every year …

We’ll average about $800 each on buying presents for other people

Americans will buy about 40 million Christmas trees.

If you’re skinny, the good news is you’ll probably only gain a pound or so in weight. If you tend to be on the big-boned side, get ready to add on an extra five to seven pounds over the holidays. Sorry.  And, watch out for all the candy!  Oh, it's all so good, especially the candy canes.  It's the only time of year you probably eat the stuff, but they're so good.

Did you ever wonder how they were made?  Here's a fun video about that subject.

Christmas is an amazing time of year—as long as you’re not a Christmas tree or a turkey. Be prepared to lose some weight in the wallet department and gain some of it back around your midsection. Other than those small (or large) annoyances, we hope you have a wonderful festive season.