The Thanksgiving-through-New Year's season is the biggest EATING SEASON of the year . . . and that's saying something, since we're a country that likes its eating.

So what's the damage?  According to a new survey, the average weight gain in December is . . . four to five pounds.

Here are the top five reasons people gave for gaining weight during the holiday season . . .

#1.)  More social gatherings.

#2.)  More rich comfort foods available.

#3.)  More stress.

#4.)  A limited selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.

 #5.)  Less physical activity.