Last minute dash or done and wrapped? Windsor holiday shoppers sound off
Some shoppers are still on the lookout for the perfect gift
Rajvir Chana just started his shopping. But with less than a week to go before Christmas, he's confident he'll finish on time.
"I don't miss," he said.
Speaking to CBC News outside Devonshire Mall on Wednesday, Chana called himself a "passionate and unapologetic procrastinator" when it comes to buying gifts.
WATCH: Have you finished your holiday shopping? We asked these people at Devonshire Mall
And this year, while many people were busy wrapping presents, he was busy too — wrapping up his exams.
"I'm actually giving this gift in like four hours," he said, adding that he thinks he has "a lot" of time left to finish his shopping.
With Christmas just days away, CBC News chatted with mall-goers about which camp they fall into when it comes to their holiday shopping: scrambling at the last minute or ready well in advance.
Bev Sharron is among those who are ahead of the game. Most years she's a planner, and the 2023 holiday season was no exception.
"Done, maybe a couple of little things (left to get), but yeah, I'm done and wrapped," she said.
Marie and Scott Hunt have been done for weeks. They were at the mall for a different reason — their daily walk.
Marie says she's happy not to be caught in the rush, but there are still other holiday stressors to deal with, like cooking and cleaning before guests arrive.
"It feels good [to be done] because I'm caught in the chaos of home," she said with a laugh.
Mohamad Faour is pretty much done too. He only started a few days ago but made quick work of his list.
He has some advice for shoppers next year.
"Definitely try to test the waters with your loved ones. See what they like, what they need...it could be a small, considerate present," he said. "It doesn't have to be something huge."
Meanwhile, Jenn Beausoleil says she's usually done by Dec. 1, but this year things turned out differently. She shops for about a dozen people and only has three gifts so far, all for one person.
"I still have no idea what to buy anybody," she said.
She left the mall empty-handed, saying she will return later — maybe with a list.
This week Cross Country Checkup wants to know what's the best or worst gift you've ever received? Fill out the details on this form and send us your stories.
With files from Jennifer La Grassa