Don’t want to make excuses as to why you’re not wearing that sweater your Aunt Dolores gave you for Christmas? Avoid that whole mess with one simple idea — skip gift exchanges and just give yourself what you want for the holidays.

Time.com says surveys of holiday shoppers indicate self-gifting is the new cool thing to do, partly to sidestep the awkward moments involved in receiving presents you don’t want. Last year, 57% of consumers said they were probably going to give themselves something awesome, up from 52% in 2009.

And according to a National Retail Federation poll, 6 in 10 holiday shoppers are going in for the “self-gift” idea. Things like TVs, nice clothing, home goods — basically anything.

The average person will spend approximately $130.43 during the holiday season to take advantage of sales and discounts on apparel, electronics, home goods and other items for themselves or a family member, up from $112.20 last year.

Consumers are apparently ready to let loose after months and years of reining in spending. So go on, treat yourself. ‘Tis the season, after all.

New Holiday Tradition: Buying Yourself a Gift [Time]

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