National Retail Federation Reveals Holiday Spending Projections

By John Pranay (Editor)

A global celebration of Christmas is underway, with families and friends exchanging gifts and messages. However, the festive season has also brought its share of challenges, as many struggle to make ends meet amidst economic uncertainty. In the United States, a survey by the National Retail Federation estimates that holiday spending will reach $729 billion this year, with many consumers relying on credit cards to finance their purchases. Meanwhile, in developing countries, the cost of living continues to rise, leaving many families without the means to afford even basic necessities, let alone festive treats.

The Christmas season has been marked by a mix of joy and hardship, with many families struggling to make ends meet. In the United States, the National Retail Federation estimates that holiday spending will reach $729 billion this year, with many consumers relying on credit cards to finance their purchases. In contrast, in developing countries, the cost of living continues to rise, leaving many families without the means to afford even basic necessities, let alone festive treats. The Santa Claus Girls, a group of volunteers in Grand Forks, North Dakota, have been working tirelessly to distribute gift packages to approximately 750 needy boys and girls in the area.

• December 24, 2025: The National Retail Federation releases its holiday spending forecast, estimating that consumers will spend $729 billion this year.

• December 25, 2025: Families and friends around the world exchange gifts and messages, with many struggling to make ends meet amidst economic uncertainty.

• December 25, 2025: The Santa Claus Girls in Grand Forks, North Dakota, distribute gift packages to approximately 750 needy boys and girls in the area.

• December 26, 2025: The cost of living continues to rise in developing countries, leaving many families without the means to afford even basic necessities.

Christmas has been a time of celebration and giving for centuries, with traditions and customs varying across cultures and countries. However, the holiday season has also been marked by hardship and struggle, particularly for those living in poverty or facing economic uncertainty. In the United States, the National Retail Federation estimates that holiday spending will reach $729 billion this year, with many consumers relying on credit cards to finance their purchases. Meanwhile, in developing countries, the cost of living continues to rise, leaving many families without the means to afford even basic necessities.

The Christmas season is a time of great joy and giving, but it also highlights the stark contrast between those who have and those who do not. As the world grapples with economic uncertainty and rising inequality, the holiday season serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing many families and communities. The National Retail Federation's estimate of $729 billion in holiday spending underscores the importance of the holiday season to the US economy, while the struggles of families in developing countries highlight the need for greater economic support and assistance.

The economic uncertainty and rising inequality highlighted by the Christmas season pose significant risks to global stability and security. The National Retail Federation's estimate of $729 billion in holiday spending underscores the importance of the holiday season to the US economy, while the struggles of families in developing countries highlight the need for greater economic support and assistance. Furthermore, the reliance on credit cards to finance holiday purchases poses a significant risk to individual and household financial stability, particularly in the face of economic uncertainty.

This year's Christmas season serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing many families and communities, particularly in the face of economic uncertainty and rising inequality. While the National Retail Federation's estimate of $729 billion in holiday spending underscores the importance of the holiday season to the US economy, it also highlights the need for greater economic support and assistance to those struggling to make ends meet. Crucially, this overlooks the broader structural issues driving economic inequality, including the concentration of wealth and power among a small elite. This suggests that the holiday season is not just a time of joy and giving, but also a time of reckoning for the economic and social systems that underpin our societies.

Overall, the medium-term sentiment around this story is Bullish.

1. 150 Merry Christmas Messages, Wishes To Send To Family, Friends — https://www.naijanews.com/2025/12/25/150-merry-christmas-messages-wishes-to-send-to-family-friends-5/

2. 'Spirit of Christmas reigns,' and other holiday coverage from the Grand Forks Herald over the years — https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/the-vault/spirit-of-christmas-reigns-and-other-holiday-coverage-from-the-grand-forks-herald-over-the-years

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.