By Mark Scott
Albany, NY – Nearly two-thirds of New Yorkers say they will spend $600 or less on holiday gifts this year. The Siena Research Institute released its survey on holiday spending plans Tuesday.
Survey Director Don Levy says spending will be virtually the same as last year.
"Spending more is out this season, but spending as we did last year is, according to consumers, the plan this holiday season," Levy said.
Despite their money woes, Levy says New Yorkers are still excited about the holiday season. Seventy percent of those survey say they look forward to spending time with family and friends.
"Despite all the economic difficulties this year, by over two to one, New Yorkers feel more like Santa than like Scrooge," Levy said.
And 72 percent say they will make a donation of money, food or gifts to a charitable organization between now and the end of the year.