U.S. holiday retail sales grew 3.8% year-over-year from November 1 to December 24, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse. Consumers demonstrated a willingness to spend while actively seeking value, with online sales increasing 6.7% and in-store sales rising 2.9%. Key sectors like apparel, restaurants, and electronics showed strong growth, reflecting robust consumer health supported by a healthy labor market and household wealth gains.