Americans spent more during the holidays than they did last year, despite fears they might cut back because of inflation. Results of a survey by Mastercard SpendingPulse released yesterday show retail sales were up 3.1-percent over last year between November 1st and Christmas Eve. Online sales grew 6.3-percent while sales at brick-and-mortar stores rose over two-percent. Restaurant spending was up 7.8-percent while clothing and grocery spending both were up more than two-percent.