This behaviour is not too difficult to understand either; many of us have spend the year worrying about our jobs, sticking to a tight budget, given up our night out,and even cancelled the family holiday to help make ends meet. It's no surprise then that we spend a bit more at Christmas to compensate for a hard year,make us feel secure,and to help see us through the bleakest months.
While there is no harm in indulging ourselves at Christmas for a bit of festive cheer,it,s likely,however,that those who spend most will be the very people least able to afford it.