Holiday cheer is kicking in early this year with around 42% of shoppers already stocking up for the season, according to the National Retail Foundation’s annual winter holiday consumer spending survey. People are planning to spend around $890 each on gifts, food, and décor, and families with kids are budgeting a bit more. Instead of waiting for the usual big sales weekends, many are spreading purchases out over weeks to avoid stress and score better deals. With the holiday season stretching longer every year, retailers are gearing up for a slow-and-steady marathon rather than a last-minute frenzy.