Last minute shoppers in Ottawa wrap up Christmas wish lists

Last-minute holiday shoppers Malls and stores across Ottawa were packed with last-minute shoppers on Christmas Eve. CTV's Josh Marano reports.

It's become somewhat of a tradition this time of year.

Residents in the capital spent the day at Tanger Outlets in Kanata, looking to put the finishing touches on their holiday shopping, while others were just getting started.

Getu Asefa was one of the dozens completing his list. He shovelled himself out of his home Christmas Eve morning and drove an hour to Tanger to beat the rush.

"I'm a dad of three boys, so I'm going to buy some pair of shoes for them," Asefa said. "Maybe a gift for my wife too."

But why do so many people choose to do their shopping so close to Christmas? Well, Asefa says, having a family to care for and a job, it's hard for him to find the time.

"This is the time I found for moving around. I don't shop much so this time is going to be enough for me, maybe one or two hours," Asefa said.

Across the city on Bank Street, more of the same.

Caroline Workman says it's about finding that finish touch for her loved ones, while also supporting local shops.

"This is an amazing community. You want these businesses to thrive, and the holidays is the perfect time to support them," Workman said.

"I live in the Glebe, so I'm a big shop local – so it's a matter of just running out of my house and coming down Bank Street."

Workman says it's also nice getting something in return as well.

"It's Glebe Spree, which is the other bonus," Workman said. "You shop here, and you get these stickers and you have a chance of winning some cash prizes, which is also an incentive to shop, so now most of my Christmases are really focused on shopping local."