The holiday shopping season doesn't end at Christmas anymore - it runs through January, when all those gift cards are spent.  And looking at that entire period, Chapman University Economist Esmael Adibi says this year could be a very good one in California:

Adibi: "I think we're gonna do better than last year by about four percent.  And you might ask why - I mean, with all the uncertainty and worry out there.  There are a number of reasons."

Stronger job creation, lower gas prices, a decent year for the stock market … and for homeowners, an improving housing market.

Adibi: "Homes are their biggest investment, and as they see stability there, although they don't have access to the money - you know, they're not selling their homes - but they feel better."

And that, Adibi says, helps consumer confidence.