SYRACUSE -- The days to buy that perfect Christmas gift are winding down.  But for some people -- it's just the beginning.

"I don't call this waiting, I actually call this early," said Austin Townsend, Cato.  "I'm kind of an in and out and done guy."

At the Syracuse Gift Company in Carousel Center -- it's like clockwork each holiday season.  And this year is no different.

"(It's) pretty much insanity as far as parking, trying to get through the mall...the lines everywhere, it's pretty crazy this time of year," said Lydia Piron of the Syracuse Gift Company.

But it's not just in Syracuse -- national trends show sales are up across the board since Halloween.  But that doesn't mean everyone waits until now to do shopping -- some get it out of the way early.

"I like to take my time, I like to think about what I'm going to buy (for) somebody that I care about," said Kristen Contreras, Syracuse. 

If you haven't started shopping or still need to pick up a few last minute items -- you're in luck.  Extended hours at the Carousel Center will keep the mall open until 11 pm Monday through Thursday.  The mall will stay open until 5 pm Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas.