A lot of American families are facing difficult decisions this Christmas.

Unemployment is still north of 10 percent, consumer debt is far too high and the housing market is still a mess as we approach the shopping season.<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-149" src="http://mikerappaport.net/onevoice/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/zyglis-300x245.gif" alt="" width="300" height="245" />

Retailers are cutting prices in hopes of generating more business in an economy where 70 percent of activity is consumer spending. That sector of the economy has been depressed this year as families have been working on paying down debt and even saving some money.