Siena Releases Poll Of Holiday Spending Plans

Fifty-seven percent of New Yorkers plan to spend the same this year as last on holiday gifts, 31 percent plan to spend less and nine percent plan to spend more.

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

Just over half plan to hold their gift spending under $500, while 24 percent have budgeted $1,000 or more.  24 percent of those surveyed plan to spend between $500 and $1,000 this holiday season.

Other findings from the Siena holiday poll:

• 51 percent of New Yorkers most often say "Merry Christmas" rather than "Happy Holidays"
• 32 percent of New Yorkers say they believe in Santa Claus
• 37 percent plan to volunteer for organizations that help people during the holidays
• 60 percent plan to conduct at least some of their shopping online
• 72 percent will put up a Christmas Tree for the holiday, but 61 percent will have an artificial tree rather than a real one