The business challenge comes when Christmas falls on a Saturday, and they need to analyze data from seven years back to understand specific patterns.

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But of course, the best of the best when it comes to puppets at Christmas will always be The Muppet Christmas Carol.

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And although other holidays, like Chanukah and Kwanza, fall around this time of year, Christmas is the heavy hitter when it comes to spending.

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Tricia Ross, whose husband, Jeffrey, is a Navy lieutenant deployed with a Marine force in the Persian Gulf, said her family would open half their Christmas gifts on Christmas Day, and the other half in February, when her husband comes home.

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With many consumers still gun shy when it comes to spending, retailers know their work is cut out for them to grow Christmas sales this year.

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