78 Percent to Spend More This Holiday Season

78 percent of survey respondents indicate they will spend more this holiday season. Overall attitudes about Christmas are far more positive in 2003.

Seventy-eight percent of people say they will be spending more on Christmas in 2003, according to an annual survey conducted by My Merry Christmas.com. The survey tracks the attitudes and anticipated spending habits of consumers each holiday season. More than 85 percent of respondents are convinced that Christmas 2003 will be merrier than last year.

"Folks feel a little more secure this holiday season," noted Jeff Westover, Editor of My Merry Christmas.com. "Last year we faced greater uncertainty in Iraq than we do this year, the employment picture has improved, companies are bouncing back from several tough seasons and families are gathering once again for holiday celebrations because travel has become more safe." Respondents to this year's survey indicate that employers are being a little more generous too: fifty-seven percent say employers will be paying a little more in their Christmas bonuses this season.

The annual survey -- now in its 4th year -- at My Merry Christmas.com is used to gauge reader attitudes about the holiday season. Periodic sampling of reader attitudes regarding seasonal spending plans, traditional observances and employment status are also tracked. More than 8000 responses have been received this season since October 25th.

Belief in Santa Claus remains steady at 77 percent while belief in Jesus Christ has dipped slightly to 77 percent.

My Merry Christmas.com is a comprehensive holiday portal serving online readers since 1991. The site is just one of several holiday offerings published by the Merry Network. With millions of annual visitors, My Merry Christmas offers an expansive collection of holiday articles, stories, images, sound clips and newsletters.

For more information, please visit the site at http://mymerrychristmas.com or email editor@mymerrychristmas.com.