Last-minute holiday shoppers looking for bargains
SEATTLE - Ready or not, Christmas is just a few days away.
On Saturday, a lot of people were heading out to visit relatives or having family visit here at home. Yet it's also the biggest shopping day of the year - as people are out looking for last-minute gifts.
At Northgate Mall, many people said they started shopping weeks ago - they didn't wait until the last minute. But many came out because they're looking for deals.
So, while the children were sharing their Christmas wishes with Santa, the adults were busy finding those last-minute gifts to cross off their lists.
"Got to finish the last few things up so I can spend next a couple days preparing for the holiday itself," shopper Marilyn Simon told KOMO News.
Some stores are offering deep discounts this weekend - with savings up to 60 percent.
"There's lot of good deals out there - and of course the closer you get to the holiday the better the deals," Simon said.
Stores are also extending their hours to attract shoppers. At Northgate Mall, Macy's is keeping its doors open 48 hours this weekend.
Despite the push, shoppers said they were surprised to see just a modest crowd here at the mall - leaving them to wonder if more people are procrastinating until Christmas Eve or are watching their wallets.
Sally, a woman from Ballard who came to the mall with her husband, said they were already done Christmas shopping - they just wanted to look. But looking turned into more buying.
"One more thing, one more thing, even out everything," said Sally, "This one and that one. I can do one of those."
And as the gifts piled up throughout the day - some left the wrapping to others.
"I just bought these items, get them wrapped up, take home and so much easier," said holiday shopper Jamahl Powell.
Meanwhile, the kids just hope Santa can make their Christmas wishes come true - no matter how he gets there.
"Santa comes when you're asleep, and the reindeer come on your roof," said one.
On Saturday, a lot of people were heading out to visit relatives or having family visit here at home. Yet it's also the biggest shopping day of the year - as people are out looking for last-minute gifts.
At Northgate Mall, many people said they started shopping weeks ago - they didn't wait until the last minute. But many came out because they're looking for deals.
So, while the children were sharing their Christmas wishes with Santa, the adults were busy finding those last-minute gifts to cross off their lists.
"Got to finish the last few things up so I can spend next a couple days preparing for the holiday itself," shopper Marilyn Simon told KOMO News.
Some stores are offering deep discounts this weekend - with savings up to 60 percent.
"There's lot of good deals out there - and of course the closer you get to the holiday the better the deals," Simon said.
Stores are also extending their hours to attract shoppers. At Northgate Mall, Macy's is keeping its doors open 48 hours this weekend.
Despite the push, shoppers said they were surprised to see just a modest crowd here at the mall - leaving them to wonder if more people are procrastinating until Christmas Eve or are watching their wallets.
Sally, a woman from Ballard who came to the mall with her husband, said they were already done Christmas shopping - they just wanted to look. But looking turned into more buying.
"One more thing, one more thing, even out everything," said Sally, "This one and that one. I can do one of those."
And as the gifts piled up throughout the day - some left the wrapping to others.
"I just bought these items, get them wrapped up, take home and so much easier," said holiday shopper Jamahl Powell.
Meanwhile, the kids just hope Santa can make their Christmas wishes come true - no matter how he gets there.
"Santa comes when you're asleep, and the reindeer come on your roof," said one.
you can order anything you want online and have it shipped to your doorstep. Why bother with the mall?
 @chandler Sometimes the thrill comes from getting it now compared to waiting for it in the mail. Also, depending on where you order it from, it can take up to a month to receive and/or get held by customs and never show up. Depending on the carrier, your package can be stolen either by the carrier itself or by some a$$wagon cruising your neighborhood.Â
I imagine that all the people who thought the world was going to end yesterday have a lot of shopping to do today.
Seems like this area is always the same the weekend before Christmas. The stores are packed early in the day, then the freeways out of town are. Definitely sounds like the case today. Â
Interesting that the word "Christmas" is used five times in the story yet the headline uses the limp-wristed, currently politically-correct substitute "holiday".
 @TheTruncheon Oh Brother...  oh noes.. the fake War on Christmas! Call Bill O'Reilly! Â
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Seriously, I have many recordings form the 40s and 50s, of Christmas music. Guess what?? In several of them, there is the lyric "happy holidays!!" Â And when I grew up, most of the Christmas cards read... wait for it... SEASON'S GREETINGS!!! Â Yep. Â And the world did not end. The Christians I knew in school did not cease to exist, or become pagans. Â Holidays = Â HOLY DAYS. Â Look it up before you embarrass yourself any more. Â
 @DT  @TheTruncheon I like it when people get carried away and you see a Nativity scene with Rudolph and Frosty standing by. They don't mean any offense, just having fun at Christmas time. It's all good.Â
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Although, I have encountered managers at work who get all uncomfortable when I wish them a Merry Christmas. That's kind of sad, you have to admit.
 @DT  @TheTruncheon But... Does Santa pray on icy roofs?
Going to a mall this time of year is just not in my playbook. I don't care how good the sale is.Â
What? Are there any more chia pets or clappers left?
 @Alikelystorey I'm hoping Santa brings me a "Billy Bass"