HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Hanukkah and Christmas are less than 50 days away, and the National Retail Federation says this will be a record spending year.
"I started by planning meaning holding some money back, so that I can be prepared," Kimberly McCrae said.
McCrae started saving at the start of the year. She says she doesn't go too big or flashy when she buys gifts.
"I'm very sentimental," she said. "I take time on every gift that I do."
McCrae was smart to start saving early, because the NRF estimates the average shopper spending $902 between gifts and decorations.
"I can see it because the prices of everything have just been ridiculous," McCrae said.
As a store manager, she says she's seen a shift in her own shoppers.
"They're realizing that simplicity is key," McCrae said.
Other small businesses haven't been as fortunate to keep steady buyers.
"It's been a little bit slow. I guess everyone's been waiting around. I haven't been making any money," James Kincaid said.
Kincaid is the owner of Fragrance World in the Houston County Galleria. He says supporting small businesses will bring joy to the world - well, joy to small businesses, at least.
"We think it's a special time of year," Dana Henderson said.
Henderson is the co-owner of Vintage Junktion. They currently have Santas, holiday decor, jewelry and other holiday items from numerous vendors.
This weekend for their Christmas Celebration, some of the items will be on sale.
"After everything we've all been through, we need a break and that was a good thing," Henderson said.
The celebration is Saturday, Nov. 9. You can hear live music from Connor Henderson, drink hot chocolate, shop from many vendors, and get a personalized ornaments.
Its happening from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at 1275 S Houston Lake Road.
With the retail groups news of increased spending, Henderson and her sister, look forward to that too.
"That is very encouraging for me. We hope they want to shop here," Henderson said.
As you head to the store to shop, McCrae hopes everyone remembers what the true magic of Christmas is.
"The gifts, that's minute, the big thing is celebrating. The reason for the season," McCrae said.