ESCANABA — Christmas is tomorrow and many local residents finished their shopping with just five or six days left before the holiday. While it may seem stressful to finish shopping at the last second, it’s pretty common among holiday shoppers.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), an estimated 157.2 million planned to shop this past Saturday, the last Saturday before Christmas, referred to as Super Saturday. The NRF says that is an increase from last year’s estimate of 141.9 million and is the second highest number next to 2022, which was an estimated 158.5 million consumers.

“Super Saturday is one of the last opportunities during the holiday season for consumers to get the remaining items on their shopping list,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen said.”

The NRF also stated that over half of consumers are expected to complete their shopping in the week leading up to Christmas.

Holiday shoppers were out and about Thursday and Friday, some just getting started while others were finishing up their lists.

At Five and Below, Robin Marsh grabbed a few more things for her son and daughter before completing her shopping duties for the year.

“Just gotta hit up Walmart, and I’ll be done,” she said.

Another shopper, Rigel LaPalm, said she was only about 10 percent done with her holiday shopping, including her six children and her family.

“I bought just very little, so I’m doing all my last-minute shopping,” she said.

LaPalm added that she is confident she can finish her holiday shopping before the big day.

Chris and Charli Sanders were in Five and Below looking for stocking stuffers to complete their list.

“We’re pretty much done, just stocking stuffers, little knick-knack stuff,” Chris said.

Kaylee Kobasic, shopping for her two boys, was also finishing up her list

“This is the last stuff I have to get; just kinda wrapping up here,” she said.

L&M Fleet supply was also bustling, with shoppers looking for last-minute deals.

Callie Kinick was perusing the toy aisle at L&M, looking for a gift for her 10-year-old brother.

“He likes Pokemon, so I’m looking to see if there’s anything here,” she said.

She said her little brother also loves coding, so she was looking for something that would match that interest. She added that she is pretty close to done, but she still has a few family members to buy for.

It’s been a busy week for Patti Cook, as she just officially retired and started her shopping on Thursday. When asked if she was holiday shopping, she couldn’t help but chuckle.

“I have seven grandchildren, and I am just starting today,” she said.

She said she was confident she would accomplish all her shopping that day. Her family is keeping celebrations on the smaller side this year because they have been busy, in addition to her recent retirement.

“That’s part of the reason why I’m just starting today because there’s too many things to have to do to get ready for that,” Cook said.

Jenny Polequin was looking for sweatshirts for her family at L&M and planned to continue shopping into the weekend. However, she said she’s probably about 80 percent done.

Lori Lohfink was shopping for her husband at L&M because she wanted him to get more than she already purchased.

“I’ll be done today,” she said.

Christmas is tomorrow, so if you need last-minute gifts, head out quickly. Many stores are closed or closing early to allow staff to be with their friends and families.

Hopefully, Santa will come through for you if that doesn’t work out.