Thousands of people were in malls and stores across the country picking up Christmas gifts on Saturday.

Some stores at the Georgian Mall in Barrie even had lineups just to get in.

“I avoid malls like the plague,” said shopper Lewis McTeague. “I tried to get the present online shopping, but they are out of stock and time went by, so it was a necessity. It's for the girlfriend so you do what you have to do.”

A recent survey by CIBC showed that 64% of Canadians still haven’t finished their shopping.

The same survey says the average Canadian has spent, so far, $678.00.

Some shoppers, like Doug Turton, prefer shopping outside of the mall atmosphere.

“I don't like the congestion of a shopping mall,” he said.

Some shoppers are afraid that shopping this close to Christmas may mean that they encounter the occasional Grinch.

“I haven't run into too many people that think that they are more important than everybody else,” said shopper Bruce Young. “It's been a good day all around.”