or many, the Yuletide season is one of giving and receiving - so right up until the big day, it meant shopping.

But gift buying can put a strain on the mind and on the pocket, leaving shoppers their own gift of stress and debt - especially if they overspent or forgot someone only to remember at the last minute.

And how much does this cost?

took to the streets of Hamilton on Monday and asked people how much they were spending on Christmas gifts.

Maria Pimental said she may have spent nearly $5,000 for those on her Christmas list.

"I bought for my family, my kids, and the kids I take care of. You have no other choice if you want to buy gifts - it's expensive."

On the other side of the scale, Sonya Harvey claimed she had not spent a dime.

An anonymous 20-year-old said: "I spent almost $1,000 - nearly my whole pay cheque."

Kevin Douglas, a father of two, said most of his money was spent on two car wheels he purchased for $500 each.

When he was asked how much he spent, he said: "Enough - I bought for my two children, my mamma, and my girlfriend. I also bought two car wheels, so I would say I spent about $1,500."

Reuben Corke said he spent around $2,000 - most of it on his fianc?e whom he weds next week.

Jonathan Kellman said: "I spent about $700 so far, as much as I can think of - I don't know about my wife."

Brenda Smith said she didn't spend much at all this holiday season, in fact, she called her shopping "very light". Terry Smith said his "thrifty shopping" was the saviour of his pockets. " I didn't spend that much, I bought for my mother, my godchildren, my family members, and my dogs - but mostly on my dogs."

Best friends Jameelah and Mitra were shopping together in Hamilton.

While Jameelah said she spent "a lot", Mitra said she spent a minimum on gifts for her family.

Despite the hustle and bustle of the season, most of those interviewed this Monday said they had finished their shopping.

According to Joel Williams, another holiday shopper, the trick is to: "Buy gifts for those who are close to you first, and if there is any money left over, buy for others.

"Whether you spend a little or a lot, giving means much more than receiving," he said.