The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Once again it's holiday shopping season! Canadians are eager to celebrate. They are expected to spend an average of $761.15 on holiday gifts this year and $724.08 on other holiday items such as decorations, food, clothing, travel, and entertainment. Here are some other interesting holiday stats... The average Canadian family receives 18 holiday cards each year. Canadians will send more than 100 million cards this season. Eighty-six per cent of North Americans will decorate a Christmas tree and 81 per cent decorated their front door. Four in ten (38 per cent) Canadians say they are last minute shoppers. Forty-seven per cent of men say they shop last minute while 39 per cent of women shop early. Men expect to spend more ($889) than women ($572). According to Canadian gift givers, the most difficult people to buy for are: spouse/partner (25%), Dad (15%), children (15%) and Mom (12) The most popular item on women's wish lists was clothing at 25 per cent and jewellery at 17 per cent. Twenty-four per cent of men would like most to receive tools while 19 per cent asked Santa for electronic equipment. Four in ten (44 per cent) Canadians give their gift-wrapping skills a low grade. Fifty-six per cent of Canadians rate their gift wrapping as good (34 per cent) or excellent (22 per cent). Twenty-five per cent of Canadians actually admit they have re-gifted! Best wishes from Carlton Cards for a glorious holiday season and a happy and prosperous 2004!
