Rita Magalde, owner of Sheer Ambrosia, just completed her first holiday season in a commercial kitchen space.

Despite gripes about the near-constant requests for tips in retail and services, Bankrate says more people are planning to give holiday tips this year than last.

Some of the temps have been coming back every year for decades.

Demand for seasonal workers is robust but relatively low unemployment figures may make it harder for employers to find people.

Leisure travelers may be quick to forgive and forget. Business travelers, not so much.

In this region, it wouldn’t be the holidays without tamales. But vendors and restaurants are facing higher costs for ingredients and staff.

Rita Magalde, owner of Sheer Ambrosia in Draper, Utah, is starting her busy season and planning to bring on her first full-time employees.

A few other things retailers want: a steady pace of spending and to unload excess inventory.

Many Americans are in better financial condition this year but remain cautious, says Wall Street Journal reporter Veronica Dagher.

Gift-givers seem to be paying attention to messages urging them to ship early.