The holidays are supposed to be a time of peace and happiness. Instead, for many Americans, they often lead to debt, stress, and regret. Key Takeaways Why Holiday Spending Gets Away From You "Sometimes, a person's desire to show just how much they love someone is to buy their loved one something beyond their budget,†said Carolyn McClanahan, founder and president of Life Planning Partners, Inc. "I think there is a subconscious thought that the more expensive the gift, the more they'll feel how much they are ...