THE TIME COMMITMENT TO THE HOLIDAYS

Americans put a lot of time into the holidays. According to the new Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll, adults expect to devote an average of 15 hours buying presents, with women putting 20 hours into shopping and men getting it done in ten hours. Both sexes believe waiting in lines will tack on at least three-and-a-half-hours to the purchasing process. Most people anticipate gift wrapping will use up three hours, but 25-percent note it will take them at least four hours. While 50-percent don't believe they'll be making any returns, those who will, expect it to take about an hour. Folks say they'll be spending roughly 15 hours at holiday parties and other seasonal gatherings with family and friends, while 24-percent expect their revelry will last at least 20 hours. For most, getting to and from the parties will consume approximately seven-point-four-hours. However, 24-percent anticipate traveling at least ten hours for holiday events.