From the Associated Press - ?

[..]

A strong Christmas Eve would round out a surprisingly successful holiday season for retailers. The National Retail Federation predicts that holiday sales will reach $451.5 billion this year, up 3.3% over last year. That would be the biggest year-over-year increase since 2006, and the largest total since sales hit a record $452.8 billion in 2007.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_LAST_MINUTE_SHOPPING?SITE=MAFAL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[Bobbo]

You might want to check your math.  With a population of 308 million plus in the USA, that would be about $1465 each for the season.  Even if you counted half as adults, that would be under $3000 each.  I know I’ve spent at least that on gifts, decorations, fuel, food, and other items this month.   Did I miss the point you were making?

[..]

Darn it. Thanks. 

[alph]

i wonder if that's all going to be charged!!  that way they can have their credit cards default, and the government will give them a tax credit for not being able to pay their credit card bills!!