FRANKLIN—T’was the day before Christmas, and as usual, the store parking lots were filling fast with shoppers trying to wrap up holiday chores.

Contrary to popular belief, Christmas Eve is not the busiest time near the holiday for the Wal-Mart in Franklin, according to Store Manager Kevin Hudgins.

“We’ll be swamped today,” he said, “but the reason is not because it’s the busiest (day), it’s because we close at 6. We lose those extra hours for sales.”

He said the busiest is usually the weekend before Christmas. Nonetheless, Hudgins said people typically are beating on the store’s doors after closing time the day before.

“Every year, we have to turn people away,” he said.

So why are there so many last-minute things to buy?

“Me, I procrastinate,” admitted Kenny Ward of Franklin, who was basically doing the bulk of his shopping for everyone on his list. “This is typically when I come every year.”

Others attempt to get everything done ahead of time. However they run into a variety of snags along the way.

Alexander S. Warren Jr. of Sedley, who was getting a few presents gift-wrapped before his departure, said, “It just doesn’t seem to work out right,” about trying to finish up early.

Tricia Sawyer of Drewryville was picking up some stocking stuffers to “even out” the gifts among her three kids.

“I’m trying to get in and get out as quickly as possible,” she said. “I’ve left the kids home with my husband.”

Still others were late receiving requests from family members.

Billie Jean Cartwright of Franklin had just found out what a family member wanted, and the item was so popular, the store was sold out.

The hottest item this year, according to Hudgins, is the Wii.

“This is the third day I’ve come and waited (for a Wii),” said Cartwright. “They said there would be one more shipment coming in between (last) Thursday and Christmas.”

Cartwright had arrived at the store at 4:30 in the morning on Monday.

Charlette Newsome drove from Woodland, N.C., to visit the Franklin Wal-Mart so she could get everything she needed for her Christmas meal.

“You can’t get everything ahead of time,” she said. “I had to wait to pick up my turkey. “(This) will give you a headache,” she said. “The best time to shop was last month. If you don’t have to come, don’t come (on Christmas Eve).”