Many people across the United States are cutting back on holiday shopping this year. They say the economy feels tense and unstable. Rising prices and fear about jobs are shaping how families plan for the season. This change comes only a year after Donald Trump won an election built on promises to lower costs. Yet many Americans say they feel more pressure now than before. The White House has tried to calm concerns. Leaders have talked about checks paid for by tariffs. They also removed some fees on farm imports. But these ideas have not eased the worry for many shoppers. They feel that holiday spending now brings stress instead of joy. Many say that higher prices for basic goods leave them with less room for gifts. People who love gift-giving say they now face difficult choices. Some have spent years planning small surprises for loved ones. They often watch for ideas all year. But this year, they say their gift lists are shorter. Their budgets have shrunk. Many families say they no longer eat out as much or enjoy small treats. For some couples, the choice is clear. They have agreed not to exchange gifts at all. There is still no clear data on how fast prices rose during the government shutdown. The last official report showed a price rise of 3% in September. That was higher than the 2.3% rate seen in April. Even without fresh numbers, people feel the rise each time they shop. Recent reports from major research groups show that confidence has fallen. One group found that confidence dropped to its lowest point since early spring. Another survey also showed a sharp drop after the summer. People on fixed incomes say they have been hit the hardest. They could once enjoy small trips or meals out. Now they say they have stopped all of that. Many point to the higher cost of food and travel. Some say they must choose between food and gifts. They want to give their children a joyful season, but it is hard to do. They say they feel let down by promises that never came true. Large surveys predict a significant decline in holiday spending nationwide. One major firm expects a decline of 4% from last year. Another group says spending will fall by more than 1%. These numbers show that caution, not celebration, is shaping the season for many. Concerns are not only about prices. Many fear the job market is getting weaker. Hopes of lower job losses after the election faded. Reports now show that unemployment reached 4.4% in September. That is the highest level in several years. People say this adds another layer of worry. Rising insurance costs, higher taxes, and general stress make daily life feel heavier. Some fear they may need to take a second job soon. Many also say the atmosphere feels unstable. They speak of fear and tension in daily life. Some are joining boycotts to send a message. They want to protest the direction of the country. Others say they have stepped away from most new spending since Trump took office. They now buy only used items or hand-made goods. Many are making gifts at home. They say it helps save money and feels more meaningful. A few people plan to support small shops in towns hit by storms and hard times. They want to spend what they can in places that need help. Some say they try to make every dollar count. They believe spending is a way to shape the world they want. For them, each purchase feels like a vote. Across the country, many say the season will look different this year. They will spend less, make more, and rethink what matters. Rising prices, concerns about job security, and the broader national mood are driving this shift. The hope for many is simple. They want a calm year ahead, lower stress, and the chance to enjoy the season once again without worry.