TRAVERSE CITY -- With Christmas just days away, it's a race against the clock for shoppers to cross those remaining items off their gift lists.

Despite this last minute rush, Traverse City's Front Street was full of window browsers and paying customers Sunday, all trying to finish their Christmas purchases before the big holiday arrives.

"I see a lot of people with lists, sitting there crossing them out, which is good," says owner of Holiday Traditions in Traverse City, Stacy Colombo.

Lists of last minute gifts and shoppers are trying to check off a few more items with just days to go before Christmas.  Colombo says the last minute rush provides some last minute sales.

"We enjoy it and we're here open late until 8 o'clock," says Colombo.
 
And it's shoppers themselves who may need to take advantage of extended store hours like this.

"This year seems like one of those years where last minute shopping seems like the way to go....I've had no time to do anything," says Traverse City resident, Ethan Smith.

"I always save a few days to get out, look for last things, few things that we missed," says Bellaire resident, Jim Colombo.
  
But some people say the final hours until the big holiday is the perfect time to buy their items and this year is nothing new.

"Is it pretty typical to shop the last few days before Christmas for you guys?" asks 7&4 News.

"Yes, because we don't like to make a big deal about all the shopping, so we just like to do a little shopping and not plan head too much," says Traverse City resident, Tara Ward.

"I always save those last few things where I know I can get them and I don't make it a chore, I make it an enjoyable experience to get out there on the last few days," says Jim Colombo.
   
It's these last few days filled with holiday sales that may even attract remaining shoppers and give them a reason to buy.

"We have some downtown gift cards...We like supporting downtown business, we live right up the street so we always come up here this time of year," says Ward.

"A lot of people have been supporting the local economy and they've made a point of saying they want to come downtown," says Stacy Colombo.

"We try to stay local and love coming downtown because we love the tradition and you can't beat the atmosphere," says Jim Colombo.

According to NBC News, 40% of holiday sales normally take place between December 15th and the 25th.  This year almost half of all Americans waited until the final weekend to start or finish up their Christmas shopping.