In a corner of Hamilton Place mall near the Santa Claus photo booth, Amy Gardner sat Thursday afternoon, out of the way, her shopping bags in tow and a short six shopping days between her and Dec. 25.
“You wouldn’t believe what I’m shopping for,” she said. “This is my foster children’s first Christmas with us.”
Gardner was taking advantage of the kids’ last day at school to slip away and grab some things — as far as she knows, her kids’ first ever Christmas morning gifts.
Gardner’s cousin, Cate Green, was not far away. Green came along on the girls’ shopping day to buy gifts for her newborn son.
“What do you buy a newborn for Christmas?” Green said.