Washington - In a radio address released the day before Christmas, US president-elect Barack Obama on Wednesday urged Americans to band together as the country battles a year-long economic recession that has led many to cut down on holiday spending.

"As we count the higher blessings of faith and family, we know that millions of Americans dont have a job. Many more are struggling to pay the bills or stay in their homes," Obama said.

"From students to seniors, the future seems uncertain."

Retailers are bracing for one of their worst holiday shopping seasons in decades. Chicago-based research firm ShopperTrak RCT Corp on Wednesday said retail store traffic in the weekend before Christmas plummeted 24 per cent compared to the same weekend in 2007.

Obama urged the country to unite for a "common purpose," reaffirming his campaign promise to tap into "new ideas" in the wider community to lead the country out of the economic crisis.

"Now, more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans," said Obama, who has promised to revive the economy with a massive fiscal stimulus package that could total as much as 850 billion dollars.

Obama is spending the holiday season in Hawaii with his family ahead of his inauguration January 20. (dpa)