A good chunk of us has already started Christmas shopping and for good reason.
ATLANTA - We are in the dog days of summer. It's still hot. And, it's technically it's not fall yet, but it's time to Christmas shop. Yes, it really is.
Surveys have varied widely on this but, if you land in the middle somewhere, about 23 percent of us started shopping for Christmas in September.
I'm going to break it down in this easy-to-digest list for you.
REASONS TO CHRISTMAS SHOP IN SEPTEMBER
- Save money: time to compare prices and to avoid holiday mark ups
- Must-have toy still in stock
- Avoid holiday crowds
Now take a look at these three numbers: $565. $923. And $1,175. One of these is what the average family will spend this holiday season. Just take a stab at it. Here's a hint: According to the Rubicon Project in a consumer study, we will spend 12 percent more than last year.
Well the answer is $1,175 for the average family. But look at this number $1,475. That's what a Millennial Christmas will look like. They will spend more than the rest of us.
Not surprisingly parents start holiday shopping much earlier than those without children.
But, if you're a last-minute shopper at heart, you're not alone. One in five will wait until Christmas Eve to holiday shop. You'll see my husband out there. Be sure to say 'hello.'