Debt the halls with bills of jolly: What are you spending this Christmas?

Trying to get a better handle on how much I was spending compared to others this holiday season, I headed straight for a place that is, well, like no other.

On a busy lunch-time shopping rush, I headed into the lion's Christmas den that is the Avalon Mall.

Below, you can read what I found. You can also click on the audio to the left to hear how I put some people on the spot, by asking them to estimate — to the cent — how much they are spending this holiday season.

3 kids, a wife and parents: 'not cheap'

"I wish $5,500 included all the food and festivities, that number is just gifts. I have three kids ages four, nine and 18, and a wife [and] parents — it's not cheap. It is just fun to see them smile. It's Christmas time. Everyone is having a good time. They open their gifts and everyone is happy." — Barry Squires, Seal Cove

'A bit more stressful this year'

"Lets go with $4,100.04 — food not included, nor are parties. Just gifts. What's worth it is just the look on people's faces, I guess. I work really hard at buying presents. So I try to make as much thought as I can [about buying gifts]. It is a bit more stressful this year than other years …but that's it, I'll work it off come the new year." — Vanessa Simon, from Labrador City but living in Kelligrews

Blows her budget every year

"On gifts — this is embarrassing, I've probably spent about $4500.50. By the time food and partying is factored, probably closer to $5,500. It is my little girl's second Christmas so I gotta say most of the money is spent on her. Last year she was pretty amazed. So far this year she is afraid of the Christmas tree so we will see how it works out Christmas morning. I try to keep a budget but basically I blow it every year." — Janice Green, Mount Pearl

Having your family is 'what counts'

"I would say $500 or pretty close to that. And that's just the gifts. But the food and the parties — that doesn't count because you have [to have] those anyway. My children are all grown up and I have grandchildren that are almost grown too. I only have one little [great] grandchild, so he will get the expensive gift. You have your family all together and that's what counts." -Elenor Burridge, from Happy Valley-Goose Bay but living in Gander.

For the grandchildren

"To the cent, I am not sure. I am not spending any because my wife spends it all, so I would say around $1,000. That includes the gifts and food, give or take a few dollars. You know, it is basically for the kids. I am a senior citizen [so] it doesn't matter to me whether I spend it or not … especially when the grandchildren are involved." —Lloyd Jefford, Kelligrews.

Sucker for the holidays and a baby on the way

"All right, so we are talking gifts, we are talking nights out, we are talking parties at people's houses. Oh my God. Nothing less than $1,000. I don't know how you could get away with less than $1,000. I have a baby on the way so I am trying to spend less, or spending it in different places. You know paint for the nursery, things like that. I am a sucker for the holidays and I like to give people something to remember this year by. I like to get something that keeps people's memories alive." —Justin Nurse, St. John's.

Don't need all that 'junk under the tree'

"I am going to stop at $500 even, maybe $501. You know, I only buy what I actually need. You don't need all the junk that you find under the tree. And my children are grown adults now. When your children are little you spend more money but as they get older and they support themselves [you spend less]. And sometimes just giving a card to a friend is enough for a gift. People don't always expect a present, just a thought." —​Karen Bonia, St. John's.

Not a student anymore, more cash

"I guess just spending time with family makes it worth it, everyone getting together. It is the only time of year that everyone sees each other, really. It is just tradition, I guess. I am spending a little more this year [because last year] I was a student and now I am working. [I] can actually spend money now because [I] have it." —Brittany Woodman, New Harbour, Trinity Bay.

Not spending, but collecting

While the masses dish out what money they're able to dish out on gifts, the food and the parties this time of year, people like these four are busy collecting money for those who are without. From left to right, thanks to Ben Riche, Josh Holloway, Tracey Mayo and Laura Osmond for providing the music heard in the accompanying audio piece as well as for donating their time to those who need a little extra help.