Lastminute shoppers squeeze in holiday buys
Dec 24, 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - Last-minute holiday shoppers used every last minute to get their supplies and gifts before everything closed for Christmas.
At 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, there was no indication of a silent night approaching. Cars filled up the parking lot of Towne East Mall, moving in and out of the area.
Some last-minute shoppers checked the final names off their list.
"It's just a last few minute things," said Tim and Joann Hoover.
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For others, it's the whole list.
"All this morning. Everything today, yes, so I'm gonna go home and go to sleep after this," said Elaya Foster.
Everyone can agree that it's a labor of love, especially for Jarric Presnell.
"Last-minute Christmas shopping for the wife," he said. "She puts up with enough she doesn't do for herself, so I figured mom should get more than anyone else."
Tim Hoover was also shopping for his wife but alongside her.
"I pulled her ponytails in 7th grade, been together ever since," he said.
They've been married for 48 years.
"I usually kind of pick out my stuff and give it to him to wrap," he said.
She'll act surprised when she unwraps the present she just picked out.
"I'm always like, 'Oh, just what I always wanted,'" said Joann Hoover.
What is Tim most excited about, though? It is a gift for one of their grandkids.
Elaya Foster was Christmas and birthday shopping.
"Shopping, oh my goodness, I'm just ... I'm not a fan of shopping," she said.
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Her dad's birthday lands on Christmas Eve.
"The budget is endless for dad. Always. It's been endless for us throughout his life, so it's endless for him," she said.
Like the other last-minute shoppers, she's most looking forward to wrapping up shopping and spending time with family.
The Hoovers say once they finish shopping and wrap up their presents. They're extra excited for this Christmas because two of their kids will spend the day at their house this year.
If you're hoping to get out to shop, time is running out. Target closes at 8 p.m.