Why wait until Black Friday? Shopping will start today in many places. But are consumers ready to spend?

Recently, Gallup calculated that the average American will spend $770 on presents this holiday season. That level is fairly similar to last year, with a modest increase in spending of about 3.5-3.7 percent. The National Retail Federation predicts 4 percent increases.

Estimated Christmas spending, November forecasts, 1999-2012

Gallup

And what about when it comes to the big Thanksgiving meal? Well, Gallup asked Americans a few things about their turkey dinners.

“First of all, the majority of Americans would like to lose weight,” says Frank Newport, editor-in-chief at Gallup. “Especially women — 62 percent of women across this great land of ours say they would like to lose weight; 45 percent of men.”

Newport is quick to point out, however, that only 25 percent are seriously trying to lose weight at this time.