The winter holidays are the most expensive times of the year in Canada. With costs continuing to rise, Canadian families can expect to spend $1,000 or more on the holidays overall unless steps are taking to keep spending under control. Given that the average personal debt-to-income ratio in Canada is now 163%, it''s essential that consumers take steps to cut the expense of the holidays to avoid adding to problems with debt. The following infographic provides more information on consumer spending trends for the holidays in Canada. You can also find helpful hints that allow you to save money and reduce holiday costs in order to avoid depending on credit to get you through the holidays.