Terms like “debt,” “overspending,” and “pressure” imply that these statistics tell a negative story about the average consumer's decisions during this time of year. While it is unwise to spend above your budget or take on debt for gifts, I believe it also reveals a broader societal or moral pressure to purchase extravagant gifts for the most important people in our lives.

Tis the Season! BBQs, pool parties, camping, lightning bugs, and running through the sprinkler are all classic signs that Christmas is...