Americans are unhappy about the economy but still spending big

The trade group estimates that overall holiday sales will grow as much as 10.5 percent, to a record $859 billion this year. Consumers, on average, are expected to spend $998 on gifts, food, decorations and other holiday purchases. That figure is largely in line with last year’s spending, but below a pre-pandemic high of $1,047.83 in 2019.