Shoppers hit Southridge Mall for last-minute holiday gifts

GREENDALE -- Shoppers rushed through Southridge Mall on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24th -- on the hunt for that perfect last-minute Christmas gift! Procrastinators hurried to get in and out with the items on their lists before the doors closed for the holiday.

"Usually I`ll wait like a week before Christmas. This year, it was more today -- the day before Christmas. Good thing my wife shops for most of the family," Marty Liebe said.

With Christmas less than 24 hours away, all of the last-minute shoppers hustled, and those who got to the mall early felt a sense of relief.

"I`m feeling great. I've got everything almost done. I got one more stop to do and then I've got to warp everything, which I am not looking forward to at all. Maybe I can pay my girlfriend and she can do it," Alex Grove said.

For some, shopping on Christmas Eve is just as much of a tradition for them as Black Friday is for others.

"Every year I end up putting off my shopping, but I kind of do it on purpose because it`s fun. It`s fun to go shopping on Christmas Eve and you find some really great deals," Laura Birchbauer said.

There was one man at the mall on Christmas Eve that never waits until the last-minute!

"They`re on their own. We wish them all of the best of luck and everyone is on the good list as long as they behave themselves. They`ll make it through today," Santa Claus said.

For those who were unsure of what to buy their loved ones, there were plenty of last-minute gift ideas.

"Jewelry is always a great idea for a woman. There`s candy, there`s coffee, but if you can`t think of anything else, a gift card is always the best idea of all," Southridge Mall Manager Mary Mokwa said.

Southridge Mall is open until 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The mall will be closed on Christmas Day.