Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite some financial anxiety and higher costs

associated with the shipping delays due to the pandemic. People shopped online, splurged on travel, and took advantage of sales and discounts in order to find the best value for their money. People also took advantage of the fact that most stores, both online and in-person, were offering free shipping and discounts, as well as extended return policies. These changes helped to make the holiday season a bit more affordable for many of us. Consumers also used new cashback and rewards programs, which allowed them to save even more money on their purchases. Additionally, credit card companies offered extended payment times and zero-interest options to help alleviate financial anxiety. All of these measures taken together allowed people to cost effectively enjoy the holidays.