Ipsos conducted a study that was commissioned by PayPal to poll customers about their plans for the forthcoming holiday season. PayPal's 2008 Holiday Survey revealed that most of online shoppers are planning to spend less this season and to make more contributions to charities.

In light of the ubiquitous crisis that pushes people to conduct more modest living poor celebration of this year holiday festivities is quite self-evident consequence.

70% of the polled said they are determined to limit their spending this Christmas mostly by purchasing fewer and less expensive gifts along with moderate parties and decorations, and staying home instead of traveling. Interestingly, 73% of them stated that they want to give to charity this season while in 2007 the same figure was only 60%.

About 25% of the respondents said they are going to buy gift cards or green gifts such as organic foods, eco-conscious clothing and recycled house wares this holiday season. The survey shows that college graduates are the most likely to receive alternative gifts including green items (28%), electronic gift cards (25%) and donations to charity on their behalf (20%).