Saturday was a race for many in the Bay Area. Shoppers were trying to get on the road or get those last-minute gifts before the steady rain arrived. Stores in San Rafael were decked out to welcome shoppers this weekend and some people found the perfect gifts. Shoppers are making the most of th is last full weekend before Christmas, picking up gifts or having a holiday lunch and thinking about the days ahead, the potential for rain, and whether it might force them to adjust their holiday plans. Karen Barar, a shopper, will be traveling soon but says she isn’t too worried about the days of rain in the local forecast. “I am traveling back to San Diego, but not we have to do that on Tuesday we will take our chances,” Barar said. In the North Bay, skies were gray. In Santa Rosa, there were a few sprinkles. There was a mom who plans to push back a visit to her daughter’s place until after Christmas with incoming storms in mind. Steinhouse Eric DeWit says people are in the buying mood and picking up last minute holiday gifts. “I know money is tight but they’re still going to spend the money I don’t feel a difference from last year maybe a little during the week but for me I do a very good business here so I’m really happy,” DeWit said. According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated 160 million consumers plan to shop on this last Saturday before Christmas, a number that is up from last year. The National Retail Federation is also predicting December retail sales will grow by 4.2% percent over last year. ...read more read less