ASHWAUBENON (WLUK) — Christmas is Wednesday, and that means some people are still out and about getting their last minute gifts.

On Christmas Eve, shoppers filled Bay Park Square Mall for their final rush before Christmas Day.

“It was a bit like ‘Oh no, it’s Christmas now!’ You know, we just had Thanksgiving and we turn around and it’s Christmas,” Pam Aissen said.

Aissen was at the mall on Tuesday picking up another gift, which ultimately put a damper on her Christmas shopping. Although she got most of her shopping done on Monday, she said she felt a little more pressed for time this year.

“It was very tiring. Yes, I was very busy, so I was happy to get a lot of things done,” Aissen said.

Aissen is not alone in this category. Black Friday came later this year, meaning there were only 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That’s five fewer shopping days compared to 2023.

But other buyers say they’re on the right track.

“I think I’m pretty good. I have to get a few little gifts here and there for people and I’m just excited to shop for people,” Penny Youngworth said.

“I think it’s a lot better this year. Definitely more prepared and had the opportunity to shop on Black Friday,” said Odessa Arce.

As shoppers get their last-minute items before the big day, stores are also busy doing their best to ensure everyone has a Merry Christmas.

“Last week, last Monday to Saturday, was crazy. “Last Saturday was crazy, and then with events in town that (also) caused more traffic to our store,” said Hallmark sales representative Hannah Janz.

At Hallmark, this year has been busier for employees. You’ve seen Christmas decorations and cards flying off the shelves.

While foot traffic has increased in recent days, Hallmark says the day after Christmas can be just as busy as Black Friday.

“Sometimes people shy away from buying certain ornaments because they think they can snag them on a sale the day after Christmas, so they just flip a coin and see if they can get lucky,” Janz said.