The clock is ticking; only one-and-a-half shopping days until Christmas. Fresno shopping centers are teaming with people. Some shoppers are just starting and others are trying to finish getting those last minute gifts.
It's an exercise in patience, self-control and grace. Last-minute shopping is not for those with an attitude.
"Most people are mellow, some people are plain right out rude," said Tim Ropes who was shopping at River Park and said he isn't a procrastinator because he started his list Thursday.
But father and son, Kevin and Zack Smith, own up to the title.
"Probably throw us in the group of procrastinators," said Kevin Smith. They traveled down from Mariposa to check items off their lists. They bought things like movies and games, but finding everything is no small task.
"We just found out there are a couple things they're out of at the store, sold out, so we're going to go look somewhere else," said Smith.
While some people dread all the running around, others, like Sally Joossen, love the buzz one can only get during the last-minute rush.
"We enjoy shopping because the atmosphere of the people. They say, 'Hey, Merry Christmas,'" she said.
With the traffic jams, crowds and wait times, it'll be a Christmas miracle if the pleasantries last one more day.
"I can imagine how it'll be tomorrow," said Ralph Rodriguez.
Many stores stay open until 11pm or midnight Friday, but they'll close early on Christmas Eve.