‘Find some comfort, some peace’: Edmontonians share Christmas wishes amid last-minute shopping

People seen doing last-minute Christmas shopping at West Edmonton Mall on Dec. 24, 2025. (Evan Kenny/CTV News Edmonton)

“Army toys. Some men, some tanks, stuff like that…”

That’s what one young Edmontonian, Jackson, wishes to have this Christmas.

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With the big day right around the corner, many shoppers braved the road conditions to snatch any last-minute items on their Christmas list.

Another young Edmontonian says she was on a mission to find a card for her father and add to one of her collections.

“I want a tiny Squishmallow that’s holding something, like a food,” said Charlie.

While a different young girl wishes for something more realistic.

“I want a real horse,” said Heidi, which her parents jokingly blamed was her older sister’s fault for kick-starting her fascination in horses.

Edmontonian Shelley Morin says she normally starts her shopping early in the year, around August and September.

“I put stuff away and then through the course of time when I’m pulling things out, I realize I didn’t get this or I should have gotten that, so it’s coming and picking up those last minute items.”

Morin didn’t have gifts on the mind for her Christmas wish this year, sharing how it’s the first year she’ll be celebrating the holidays without her mother.

“I guess my wish would be for anyone who’s grieving the loss of a loved one that they find some comfort this year, some peace. We’re looking forward to a little bit of a different Christmas. That’s what I wish for everyone for Christmas.”

Another last minute shopper didn’t have any wishes to share, but wanted to share his gratitude.

“Honestly, I’m just happy that my family gets to be together for the next week. We all have the week off, so we get to spend a whole bunch of time together,” said Rob Logan.

“That’s my favorite part, so I’m looking forward to that.”