Christmas products start to appear in American department stores almost two months before the actual holiday. For example, in Macy's, one of the world's biggest department stores, various holiday products on display aim to put customers in the holiday spirit as early as possible.

"My family is really looking forward to Christmas, especially the kids. It is my tradition to purchase in advance. Although the economy is down, we will still keep our traditions and make it good," said Flora Fang, a housewife who was shopping at Macy's in New York City on November 13.

Although many people haven't yet started their annual holiday shopping, surveys indicate that their holiday budgets will remain more or less the same as before. 

According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, October retail sales rose 1.4 percent from September, and total sales for August through October 2009 were up 1.5 percent from the same period a year ago.

Besides, the U.S. National Retail Federation expects holiday retail industry sales to decline one percent this year to $437.6 billion. Compared with the 3.4 percent drop in last year's holiday retail sales and the 3.0 percent drop in annual retail industry sales, this decline indicates a partial recovery of retail industry sales and a better holiday season than 2008.

"The economy won't affect my Christmas shopping, because I usually budget and spend the same amount each year," shopper Valerie Althouse told Bejing Review.

Holidays traditions in New York City remain the same despite the economic slowdown. The lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, where it stands from early December to January next year, will take place on December 2 this year, with exciting performances. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which has run since 1933 and stars the world-famous Rockettes, kicked off on November 13 and will run until the end of the year.

Featuring the Rockettes in dynamic performance routines set in historic New York City landmarks, this year's performance has a "New York Christmas" theme. A special Christmas tree, made up of more than 10,000 handcrafted Swarovski crystal ornaments, has been built in the lobby of Radio City Music Hall.

"We want the experience to begin for our patrons the moment they walk through the doors at Radio City, from the interior of the Music Hall to the performances on stage," said Jonathan Hochwald, executive vice president of productions at Madison Square Garden Entertainment, which manages all Radio City Music Hall events.

"This annual performance is classic. Watching this show is an ideal way to experience the typical Christmas culture," said Peter Song, a doctoral student at New York University. "However, the ticket price is a little bit expensive. If discount tickets are available, I personally would like to go see the show."

(Reporting from New York)