Holiday spending took a toll on many Americans, with a large number taking on some debt to afford gifts. Over one-third (37%) of consumers racked up holiday debt this holiday season, averaging $1,223, according to recent data from LendingTree. This figure is up from $1,181 last year and the highest since 2022. Nearly half (48%) of parents with children under 18 years old borrowed to cover the holidays, taking on an average of $1,324 in debt. Among those who took on debt this holiday season, four-in-10 (41%) said they are still working on paying off last year’s bills. Overall, nearly six-in-10 (59%) of consumers with holiday debt this season said they are “stressed about it,” while 47% regret spending as much as they did. This was more common among parents of young kids (52%).

In brief: The United States Postal Service (USPS) reported its fiscal 2025 financial results this month, with slightly higher revenue offset by continuing volume declines. The freight market is stable as the holiday season kicks off. Elimination of North American paper mill capacity has led to an increase in mill operating rates at the end of the year.

November retail sales in the segments covered by Retail Dive grew 3.9% year over year to $284.8 billion, per numbers released Wednesday by the U.S. Commerce Department. The report was delayed by the government shutdown. E-commerce sales jumped 5.5% to $141.7 billion and the apparel category grew 7.4% to $30.8 billion during November. Meanwhile, the home sector declined 4% year over year and electronics was nearly flat. “Consumers are gloomy, but they are still spending,” Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, said in emailed comments. “The only areas they are pulling back in are home improvement, home furnishings and some electronics and appliances. Outside of those areas, consumers continue to spend and they are likely to keep that up in early 2026 as they receive larger-than-normal tax refunds.”