It’s going to be a green Christmas if the research from one credit card company is right. And they’re not talking about the weather.
Visa Canada is estimating Canadians will spend an average of $930 on presents this year, the highest amount in its survey’s history.

Ontario residents appear to be among those who really feel the spirit of giving this year - they’ll go above the norm and could shell out as much as $1,068 at malls and online outlets before December 25th, a slight increase from 2005.

We’ll buy about 13 presents each and parents in this province will dole out some $220 per child for that special something under the tree.

So what is all this money buying?  Most are playing it safe with clothing - something those kids probably won’t appreciate too much. Gift cards are second, as they continue to boom in popularity. They’re tied with toys for second place.

Then come books, music, and the ever present electronics.

Kids have apparently asked Santa for video game systems, iPods and even cash to ho-ho-hold onto for the year, which shows how times have changed. Traditional toys were highest on their list.

Despite the shopping mania that grips so many at this time of year, the vast majority of Canadians say spending quality time with their family and friends - and not exchanging gifts -  is the most important part of the holiday.

At least 70 percent plan to have company for a Christmas dinner, and half of those will make a party out of it. And entertaining won’t be cheap. Visa estimates most of us will spend just under $400 on our seasonal soirees.

But when you get to those decked halls, don’t be surprised if everything you see isn’t real. About 93 percent of us plan to put up a traditional Christmas tree, but only 30 percent of all Canadians will go out and buy the real thing.
Visa Survey Highlights: 

Avg. spent on gifts: $930

Buying at stores: 87 %
Buying online: 23 %

Spending the most: Ontarians at $1,068
Spending the least: Quebeckers at $740

Already started their shopping: 45 percent

Avg. number of presents/people: 13 gifts for 10 recipients
Hardest to buy for: Wives and parents

Husbands spending on wives: $257
Wives spending on husbands: $192
Parents spending on kids: $220 per child in Ontario, less across the country.

Buying online: 23 percent of Canadians
Most bought items online: electronics, clothing, books, CDs, toys.
Avg. sites visited: 3.7
Avg. amount spent on e-tailers: $236

Given to charity: about $183