Many last-minute shoppers crowded malls and shops across the island on Christmas Eve to make sure family and friends woke up to the perfect present.  KUAM braved the sea of humanity to take a closer look at the hustle and the holiday spirit that comes with grabbing those final gifts.

Christmas Eve is the last stop for many holiday shoppers. Stores are staying open late, and the aisles have been packed with people hunting for the perfect gift. Dededo's Francis Cepeda said, "Oh, my gosh. I’ve been so busy the last couple of weeks with everything. This last minute shopping is intense but I’m going to get through it."

And Nate Diaz from Mangilao added, "I’m in a rush right now. I just keep running around the mall trying to figure out what I want to get."

Sometimes the best gifts are just out of reach, but determined shoppers always find a way.

For busy employees like several GW High teachers, it was their only day off to cross items off their lists before the big day.  Mikaela Oliva from Chalan Pago shared, "It’s been so busy. So today, it felt like it was the only time because everyone was off to go shopping."

And they were also there to support their students gift-wrapping.  Sinajana resident Jordan Santos said, "The main reason why I wanted to go shop today was because my students, the GW class of 2027, they’re gift wrapping today and I wanted to support them by getting as many gifts for my family as well as getting them to wrap as many gifts as possible."

Even in the chaos, the holiday spirit was everywhere across the island, from the Micronesia Mall, Agana Shopping Center, and Guam Premier Outlets.

Yigo's Cynthia Waseta said, "It’s been a little crazy. I think everybody is trying to buy all the same things and trying to find something different every year, something unique. We actually bought the last two fiesta plates over there so it’s going to be a nice Christmas this year."

But whether you’re a planner or a procrastinator, as Waseta explained, last-minute shopping is a holiday tradition and the true gift is time spent with loved ones.  "My son just arrived actually last night so we decided to come and bring him shopping. He wanted to see the mall so we are just getting some last minute things. He likes the atmosphere and thinks it’s very special for Christmas," she said.

"Just enjoy the Christmas spirit and it’s really not all about gifts," Waseta added. "If you find the perfect one great, but if you don’t, enjoy the time you have with your family."