Midtown Atlanta, December 25, 2025
News Summary
Midtown Atlanta saw a surge of last-minute shoppers on Christmas Eve, with crowded parking lots and chaotic aisles, particularly at Target. Local resident Shasta Rodgers celebrated the season with her impressive collection of 66 themed Christmas trees and an open house supporting a local food pantry, highlighting the balance between hectic shopping and community spirit.
Midtown Atlanta was bustling with last-minute holiday shoppers on Christmas Eve, with many people faced with crowded parking lots and chaotic store aisles as they rushed to grab gifts before the holiday deadlines. The Target store in Midtown Atlanta was particularly overwhelmed with a surge of shoppers. Reports from individuals such as Vicki Roberts and Yuvraj Rallaballi described the parking lot as unusually packed, signaling a significant influx of last-minute holiday shoppers. Inside the store, shelves were nearly empty as shoppers hurriedly rummaged for remaining gifts, creating a hectic atmosphere just one hour before closing.
Among the local residents capturing the festive spirit is Shasta Rodgers, who boasts a remarkable collection of 66 Christmas trees in her Buford home. Each tree represents a unique theme, color, shape, or size, showcasing Rodgers’ commitment to holiday cheer. Her passion for decorating began when her son was two years old, starting with just one tree. As time passed, she began collecting trees at steep discounts after Christmas, gradually amassing her impressive collection.
Decorating the trees has become a cherished activity for Rodgers, providing her with joy and a creative outlet. Part of her holiday tradition includes hosting an open house for friends and family. Guests at her open house are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or to make donations to the Fountain Church food pantry. Through her extensive collection, Rodgers finds a way to give back to her community during the season of giving.
The contrast between the frantic last-minute shopping at Target and the heartfelt holiday traditions exemplified by Rodgers reflects the duality of the season. While many rush to find perfect gifts amidst thin inventory, others embrace the spirit of giving and community through charitable acts and personal celebrations. This balance between the hustle of holiday shopping and the warmth of local traditions emphasizes the richness of the Christmas season.
Details on Last-Minute Shopping
The atmosphere inside Midtown Atlanta Target was described as “crazy,” with shoppers scrambling to find items among the scant selection remaining. The rush was indicative of a nationwide trend where consumers increasingly postpone shopping until the final days leading up to Christmas. This trend has implications for retailers, who are often stocked to accommodate last-minute shoppers.
Local Christmas Spirit
Shasta Rodgers’ open house tradition reflects a community-centered approach to the holiday season. By encouraging donations to a local food pantry, she actively promotes a spirit of generosity and compassion during a time marked by consumerism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the atmosphere like in Midtown Atlanta’s Target on Christmas Eve?
The atmosphere inside the store was described as “crazy,” with nearly empty shelves.
How many Christmas trees does Shasta Rodgers have?
Shasta Rodgers has a personal collection of 66 Christmas trees.
What does Shasta Rodgers do each holiday season?
Rodgers holds an open house for friends and family, where guests are encouraged to either bring non-perishable food items or make donations to the Fountain Church food pantry.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Midtown Atlanta Target |
| Christmas Trees | 66 uniquely themed trees in one local resident’s home |
| Last-Minute Shopping Trend | Reported surge in shoppers on Christmas Eve |
| Community Involvement | Open house gathering to support local food pantry |
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: GA Woman Celebrates Holidays with 66 Christmas Trees at Home
- Wikipedia: Christmas
- Journal Record: Best US Cities for Christmas 2025
- Google Search: Best US Cities for Christmas 2025
- Discover Atlanta: 26 Reasons to Visit Atlanta in 2026
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Tourism
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Christmas Holiday Shopping Metro Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Christmas Shopping Trends
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
