For some in N.J., Christmas trees a last-minute purchase

Last-minute shoppers were out in force Christmas Eve, including some who waited to get a Christmas tree.

Several people checking out the trees at a roadside stand in Sea Girt, N.J., say they hadn’t had a chance to shop earlier because they were busy dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Mansquan resident Gail DeVeney was buying a tree for her boyfriend to decorate his new residence.

“He lost his home in the storm,” DeVeney said. “So he was displaced and it took him a while to find a new place to live. We’ve both been working so much lately, we haven’t had time.

“So here I am on Christmas Eve getting him a tree.”

One woman from Sea Girt says she already had a tree, but came out to buy a second one because her kids wanted it for the room where they watch TV.

Another shopper said he was buying a tree at the last minute because he and his family have been preparing for a departure.

“Waited ’til the last second as usual, just working and doing a lot of stuff,” said Bob of Verona, N.J. “My son is going away to the Marines, so I’ve been doing some other things.”