Christmas shoppers scramble for last-minute gifts as Santa prepares for his big flight
MESA, Ariz. - Hours remain before Santa takes his big flight across the world, but he’s not the only one getting gifts ready.
It’s jam-packed outside shopping centers and grocery stores across the Valley as people are scrambling for what they need.
At Target off Gilbert Road in Mesa, dozens of cars and shopping carts scatter the parking lot of shoppers looking to purchase last-minute presents.
"I was just doing some last-minute shopping for my nieces and nephews," said a shopper named Ty.
"I was just doing some last minute Christmas shopping for my sister and brother," said another, Judith.
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Of course, everyone has their reasons for being here.
"It just snuck up on me," said a shopper named Josh.
"I only shop the last three days before," said a shopper named Curtis, who is used to this kind of thing.
They were not alone. A few streets up, the Fry’s parking lot was stuffed with people grabbing everything on their list.
"Oh just (shopping for) some things I forgot," said Alene Brooks. "I’m 84 and sometimes you don’t always remember!"
Procrastinators are a big present to people like Rodney Sands who owns Mo Money Pawn in Phoenix.
"It’s the second-busiest day of the year for us," said Sands.
Inside his shop, there’s no grinches. Just people like Quincy looking to buy a gift for his wife before tomorrow.
"I’m probably going to go with like a necklace or diamond pendant," he said.
Before you judge any shoppers for putting things off, Santa himself made an appearance ahead of the big evening, giving us at Fox 10 the inside scoop of what Valley kids can expect.
Santa made an appearance at Mo Money Pawn.
"How would you describe the kids in Phoenix? Have they been good this year?" We asked.
"They have. There have been a few exceptions, but most kids have been very good this year!" said the big man!
The Source: Information for this story was gathered by FOX 10 reporter Lauren Clark.