Ms. Aitchison, 55, who works for a senior living home, advises her family each year that she plans to make the holidays smaller, spending less. “I’m a huge gift giver,” Ms. Aitchison, who started her shopping in early November. I’m always running around the last week before Christmas because I have to find just a few more gifts.”There are many reasons for people to be more prudent in their holiday spending this year. While inflation is less rapid than it was a year ago, millions of shoppers still feel sticker shock when buying groceries. And higher interest rates have meant larger credit card bills and, for home buyers, mortgage payments.

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Persons: Christina Beck, Beck, Kristin Aitchison, Aitchison, “, Ms, I’m Locations: Minneapolis