Students at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Geneva hoped to brighten the lives of soldiers stationed in Iraq by participating in Make a Difference Day in October.

After standing in lines or scrambling with crowds for Xbox 360's, T.M.X. Elmo's, flat-screen TV's and other popular gift items, the average consumer will tally up about $800 in Christmas holiday spending this year. A mother/daughter fitness publishing team suggests spending $15.95 on a gift for yourself--a fitness journal--to give your loved ones the gift they really want from you.

1,102 respondents of the market research poll have weighed in on the good and bad of the holiday season.