Americans give less money for Chirstmas

The holiday sales season may be the grimmest for U.S. retailers in at least five years said specialists.

 High gasoline and home heating prices, as well as levels of
consumer debt, are discouraging Americans from spending, according to a survey.
Retailers reported slowing sales in September and October, and analysts said
chains catering to middle-income customers may be hurt the most in the next six
weeks. Sales in November and December represent 20 percent of retailers' annual
revenue, according to the National Retail Federation.