Shoppers hit the stores as Christmas countdown reaches 1 week
CHANDLER, Ariz. - With this great weather, lots of people are getting out and getting started on their holiday shopping.
The countdown is on, only seven days are left until Christmas.
If that startled you because you're behind on holiday shopping, you're not alone.
"I haven't really noticed that many stressed out, so so far so good," said one shopper at Chandler Fashion Center.
We're a week out from Christmas and it's rush hour for holiday shoppers, but some do it better than others.
"I think it's always easier to come out early because then you have more time to shop, more time to plan. Especially if they don't have what you want, you have more time to go somewhere else too," said another shopper.
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This father, son duo in Chandler is holding to their family traditions.
"We still get him a Lego when he's home for Christmas since he was a little kid," said the dad.
"This is my 22nd Lego, so it's pretty crazy but it kind of puts me back into my roots as a child and helps me reconnect a little bit and makes me feel like a kid again," the son said.
Other shoppers are just starting their hunt for the perfect holiday gifts.
"We basically started today, yeah, so yeah we got a late start on it and we need to pick up the pace and we're gonna jam it out, should be good," said another shopper.
For last minute shoppers, several big box stores are open on Christmas Eve.
So are some shopping centers and malls, although holiday hours vary from store to store.
Deadlines for shipping gifts you may find are approaching later this week.
Despite the countdown to Christmas looming, shoppers so far seem surprisingly calm.
"Well, I think part of Christmas is the rush, it's the excitement of being out there. Just be kind to people. If you see a parking spot, let someone else have it. You know, we'll get there."
As for how much people are spending on Christmas this year, a recent Gallup poll shows a majority of Americans will spend about the same as last year with 23% saying they'll spend less and 19% saying they'll spend more.