BY LUCA DI LEO AND JEFF BATER

U.S. consumers spent a little more during the traditional peak of holiday shopping amid small income gains and low prices, helping the lackluster economy close 2011 on a slightly stronger note.

Separately, orders for long-lasting goods rose more than expected in November, but the gain was driven mostly by strong demand for civilian airplanes. Meanwhile, new-home sales rose a third straight month during November, another sign of improvement for a sector that faces big obstacles on a long road to recovery.

Personal consumption expenditures grew by $13.1 billion, or 0.1%, in November from October, the Commerce Department reported Friday. Spending …