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Americans are expected to spend a record-breaking $1.01 trillion on holiday shopping this year. According to the National Retail Federations, this will be the first time holiday spending has reached the trillion-dollar milestone.

The massive spending projection comes despite recent economic uncertainties, including a government shutdown that left some federal workers without pay and concerned about basic expenses.

UMKC assistant marketing professor, Rachel Hochstein, explained exactly who is spending more.

"Classically parents have been huge spenders," said Hochstein. "Even if people are cutting back on other things, Christmas is something they're not willing to give up."

Another concerning reality she mentioned is that much of the Christmas spending

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