Siena Releases Holiday Spending Poll

A majority of New Yorkers plan to keep their holiday shopping budgets unchanged this year.

That's according to a new poll from the Siena College Research Institute.

The poll found 61 percent plan to spend about the same as the did last year on holiday gifts, 28 percent plan to lessen spending and nine percent intend to spend more.

Half of New Yorkers plan to hold their gift spending under $500, while 26 percent have budgeted for $1,000 or more.

“With a majority of New Yorkers saying that their finances are about the same as a year ago, it’s not surprising that most hope to keep holiday spending about the same." said SCRI Director Don Levy.

The survey also found a small majority of state residents, 55 percent, most often say "Merry Christmas" rather than "Happy Holidays" this time of year.