How does your inner Santa purchase holiday gifts? Do you brave the crowded malls where shopping becomes a contact sport? Do you forgo the hassle and choose the convenience of shopping online using your high-speed Internet connection?

One of the leading consumer research companies, comScore, Inc., reports that online shopping from November 1 to December 16 has gone up by 19 percent compared to the same shopping days last year.

comScore research does show a choppy trend in online shopping with the heaviest being at the beginning and of the week. They aren't sure if the number will rise as some folks might be waiting for last minute bargains to complete their holiday spending, or if consumers are just not spending that much this season.

For now, it seems like consumers are choosing more and more to shop from the comfort of their home than to head out to the retail shops.

To read the study from comScore, see their press release.