Shoppers were out in force today on the the last weekend before Christmas.

There are just seven days left until Christmas Day and plenty of people were out making the most of the Oracle in Reading.

We were out in the town centre today (Sunday, December 19) to find out how people feel about the most wonderful time of the year.

We spoke to shoppers to hear what their plans are for Christmas day and if they've bought all their presents.

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For the majority, Christmas this year will be spent with loved ones as we're able to socialise again.

However, one resident said he hates Christmas but still likes to gift his children and grandchildren money.

Reading Chronicle:

Mark Gregory from Reading said: "Last minute bits and few things for the family. I hate Christmas, I was born on Christmas day.

"I was to go and spend Christmas with the family but because of Covid and all that and the family I have down in Plymouth have lurgies so I've decided to Christmas alone again. I was by myself last year and that was on my 60th birthday but I have some lovely chips though from the new place there [Chipstar] and they're nice, I've had them before in Amsterdam.

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"It's a bit poor in the town compared to years ago, there used to be stalls along the street and there's what one, two, three...Around the corner you've got food stalls but you've got no gift stalls like Winchester which has a big Christmas market, which they should bring back to Reading."

Mark definitely isn't a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas, despite feeling disappointed with the town's festive set-up.

He said: "I end up giving loads of money to my kids and grandkids that's why I have to do every Saturday before Christmas to make sure I have enough money for the New Year."

Reading Chronicle:

Nicola Relf from Wokingham visited Reading town today with Nathan Austin.

They said: "Wonder about and spend time together as we've not been able to as I work in retail. It's busy but we've been on a Saturday and it was a lot worse.

"We'll be at Christmas with our families and see each other on Boxing Day. We're trying to make it special but keep an eye as we might have to make changes just in case.

Reading Chronicle:

"We've finished all our shopping but there might be a last-minute present like a Secret Santa one."

Even Atlas the dog has a Christmas stocking to open.

Have you visited the town this weekend?