What we dread most about the holiday season

Weight gain is #2 on the list

The crowds of Christmas top the 2012 list of the most dreaded aspects of the holiday season, according to Tod Marks, Senior Editor at Consumer Reports.

"Crowds and long lines.. battling,. you know, elbow to elbow in stores and getting that perfect gift, it drives people crazy", said Marks.

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 Marks, the self-confessed curmudgeon-in-residence at Consumer Reports analyzed the survey of some 11-hundred Americans and what they most dread about this time of year.

 Coming in second place, the worry about weight gain, ""People overindulge this time of year and 70% of them told us their biggest indulgences are desserts, pastries and cookies, so watch out for that", said Marks.

 Next on the list: Frustrations in Shopping Center Parking lots where aggressive or thoughtless drivers can test your patience.

 Dread of running up debt also surfaced. Marks points out this is the 5th Christmas since the Great Recession, ""It's still weighing on people's minds, you know and they're trying to be, if not frugal, very responsible with their shopping dollars".

 The most surprising result? 60% of those asked said they dread getting gift cards. They say they would prefer cash instead.