With only 28 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, holiday preparations have seemed as frantic as a Broncos win. Though the clock is ticking down, there’s still time left to finish with a good feeling and the appearance of having it all together. Retailers were bracing on Tuesday f or crowds of last-minute shoppers, as most are closed on Christmas Day. And many stores and shopping centers close early on Christmas Eve. The full parking lot at Cheers Liquor Mart gave an indication of the atmosphere inside, as the expected “mad rush” that owner Rob McNeely anticipated hit. “You can never count out procrastination,” he said. “It seems like a lot of people are behind this year.” In addition to seeking out great buys on items, Cheers customers are looking for gifts as well as beverages for family get-togethers and parties with friends, McNeely said. Liquor-related presents can help expand wine or bourbon collections, for example, or be given to hosts. A gift of wine, beer or spirits “is really about the social nature of sitting down and sharing time with somebody,” he said. “That’s what you’re giving them, and that’s what the holidays are about.” December’s mild temperatures have affected purchases, he said. Instead of buying ingredients for traditional cold-weather drinks such as hot hard cider, gluhwein and Irish coffee, shoppers are favoring lighter beers and cocktails, McNeely said. “The weather made the season clock off,” he said. “It doesn’t quite feel like Christmas yet.” The Citadel shopping mall also was busy Tuesday, and General Manager Curt Reulecke wasn’t expecting business to let up until all doors close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, in honor of Thursday’s federal holiday. “We had the busiest Monday as far as foot traffic back to pre-COVID, and I expect that trend to continue,” he said. As many stores are mom-and-pop owned, the mall attracts shoppers who like to browse and buy once they find something that fits the person on their list, Reulecke said. There are also the deliberate customers who know exactly what they want. Last week, Foot Locker and Champs Sports released the Nike Air Foamposite Pro, the new Nike Ja 3 and the Nike G.T. Hustle 3, which he said drew long lines outside both stores. “We’ve had our challenges the last few years and but after the ‘black list’ from the military we’ve gotten surveillance cameras that gives Colorado Springs police direct access, and gates on the parking lots, increased security and armed security,” he said. “Slowly some of the people that potentially have been apprehensive due to the stigma are loosening back up and coming back or coming if they’ve never been before.” Merchants in downtown Colorado Springs overall have seen a 4% bump in foot traffic this season over last, but shoppers are spending less money, said Carrie Simison, director of communications and membership for Downtown Colorado Springs. The final push to “support local businesses” is on. “Our downtown businesses not only have great last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers, but so many are offering experiences that can extend your holidays into the new year, whether that is a candle or perfume making class, an art class or splatter room experience, pinning butterflies and making terrariums, or experiences like high tea,” Simison said. Carolers from Soli Deo Gloria Choir will be strolling and singing in the downtown shopping district from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Many restaurants are serving Christmas Eve dinner, and there will be a Christmas Eve reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the Mining Exchange. For those who can’t function properly without a deadline, the spirit of the season was in full swing Tuesday, as they braved increased traffic and stores with a goal in mind. Norma Sanchez and her family traveled from San Antonio, Texas, just to shop in Colorado Springs because they love the small shops and atmosphere of the shopping districts. “We come to buy stuff to bring back,” she said. “We like how it’s all decorated — it gets us in the holiday spirit,” she said while walking the downtown streets Tuesday. They were expecting snow instead of 60-plus-degree temperatures. “We’re just going with the flow,” Sanchez said. Lauren and Katherine Kachel of Colorado Springs shopped early, celebrated Christmas early with family, and this week were shopping for themselves, for items to place on a new ladder shelf, for example. They were using gift cards they received as presents and were relaxing more than stressing out. Natasha Torres and her family came from Hawaii to Colorado Springs to visit, see some of the cold, white stuff and shop for souvenirs to take back to friends. “We just came here to see some snow,” she said. “It’s been perfect anyway.” While online shopping has made gift-giving easier, delivery companies also are taking off Thursday to celebrate this year. Neither the United States Postal Service nor Federal Express nor Amazon nor United Parcel Service will be delivering packages or mail on Christmas Day. There are a few exceptions, such as critical express shipments. Instacart also will limit deliveries, as most major grocery stores are closed and specialty stores limit hours. Many gas stations and convenience stores will remain open throughout the day. For extremely late shoppers, Amazon recommends having electronic gift cards emailed to recipients on Christmas. ...read more read less