Some last minute Christmas shoppers climbing

SYRACUSE, NY – Christmas shopping is an annual tradition for many. Some get it out of the way early, while others wait.

“(It’s) crazy,” shopper Marie Jones said. “Usually I’ve done it way ahead of time and this year I’ve been shopping at the last minute so I’m dealing with the crowds.”

The past few days for Jones have been hectic going from store to store, but she has no trouble finding the right gifts.

“Honestly, my family is pretty easy,” she said. “They like Star Wars and The Office, so it’s easy to find fun gifts for them.”

While some climb, others do this every year.

“Since I was 2, now I’m 46, my dad and I have been shopping on Christmas Eve,” said shopper Amanda Martino. “It’s been a ritual. It’s my one special day that I get to spend with my dad. I don’t have to share it with my mom, I don’t have to share it with my brother (and) I don’t have to share it with my husband. It’s just our day.”

Some know what they are buying.

“Today I’m going to Burlington to look for some stocking stuffers,” Jones said.

Some don’t.

“We’ll never know,” Martino’s father said.

But they are all in the Christmas mood.

“You feel the hustle and bustle of people,” Jones said, “For me it’s been a little more fun, that’s why I took my grandson to see Santa today because I thought, Christmas Eve, what better time?”

“It’s very special,” Martino said. “As I’ve gotten older, it’s not about presents like Santa and hiding the elf, it’s about being with family and celebrating the reason we’re all here.”