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Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Christmas shoppers stride down the sidewalks of Stockton Street near Union Square in San Francisco to visit brick-and-mortar stores for last-minute gifts.
Christmas shoppers stride down the sidewalks of Stockton Street near Union Square in San Francisco to visit brick-and-mortar stores for last-minute gifts.
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Above: Sweetpea the Chihuahua sports a Ralph Lauren doggie sweater purchased as a Christmas present from Graham Myers. Left: Dave Seiler greets Tristan Haddad, 11, who is visiting from Toronto.
Above: Sweetpea the Chihuahua sports a Ralph Lauren doggie sweater purchased as a Christmas present from Graham Myers. Left: Dave Seiler greets Tristan Haddad, 11, who is visiting from Toronto.
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Left: Dave Seiler greets Tristan Haddad, 11, who is visiting from Toronto.
Left: Dave Seiler greets Tristan Haddad, 11, who is visiting from Toronto.
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Jillian Resso (center) waits to cross OFarrell Street with her mother Kim and sister Katherine (right) after getting an early start on their last minute Christmas shopping near Union Square.
Jillian Resso (center) waits to cross OFarrell Street with her mother Kim and sister Katherine (right) after getting an early start on their last minute Christmas shopping near Union Square.
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Sisters Katherine and Jillian Resso, of Modesto, clutch shopping bags filled with last minute Christmas gifts at Powell and O�Farrell streets in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017.
Sisters Katherine and Jillian Resso, of Modesto, clutch shopping bags filled with last minute Christmas gifts at Powell and O�Farrell streets in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017.
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Korene sets up her stand in front of Macy’s on Geary Street to sell her balloon sculptures to last minute Christmas shoppers crowding the sidewalks and stores near Union Square.
Korene sets up her stand in front of Macy’s on Geary Street to sell her balloon sculptures to last minute Christmas shoppers crowding the sidewalks and stores near Union Square.
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Gabriel and Sarah Thomas stroll past Union Square with daughters Ruby (left), 5, and Freida, 2, on their shoulders as last minute Christmas shoppers fill the sidewalks and stores in downtown San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017.
lessGabriel and Sarah Thomas stroll past Union Square with daughters Ruby (left), 5, and Freida, 2, on their shoulders as last minute Christmas shoppers fill the sidewalks and stores in downtown San Francisco,
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Maureen Gradek and her son Colin visit the ice rink at Union Square in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017 across from Macy�s, where Maureen took Colin to shop every year as child during the holiday season. Last minute Christmas shoppers filled the sidewalks and stores near Union Square Saturday.
lessMaureen Gradek and her son Colin visit the ice rink at Union Square in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017 across from Macy�s, where Maureen took Colin to shop every year as child during the
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Here's a look at Santa's most SF sightings.
Here's a look at Santa's most SF sightings.
Santa greets children at a Christmas Party at the Catholic Chinese Mission December 19 1949
Santa greets children at a Christmas Party at the Catholic Chinese Mission December 19 1949
Santa gets a hug from Oliver Rubin, who is happy to receive a teddy bear at the Salvation Army/Bank of America Christmas party for children November 26, 1976 Photo ran 11/27/1976, P. 2
Santa gets a hug from Oliver Rubin, who is happy to receive a teddy bear at the Salvation Army/Bank of America Christmas party for children November 26, 1976 Photo ran 11/27/1976, P. 2
(l to r) Alida and Joey meet the World's Largest Santa at a preview of Miracle on 5th Street, The Children's Benefit Christmas Party Photo ran 12/22/1974, p.1 (Sunday Datebook)
(l to r) Alida and Joey meet the World's Largest Santa at a preview of Miracle on 5th Street, The Children's Benefit Christmas Party Photo ran 12/22/1974, p.1 (Sunday Datebook)
Santa greets children from the top of an AC Transit bus "Santa's Express" November 26, 1976 Photo ran 11/27/1976, P. 2
Santa greets children from the top of an AC Transit bus "Santa's Express" November 26, 1976 Photo ran 11/27/1976, P. 2
Santa tries to cheer up a child with a candy cane while touring on an AC Transit bus "Santa's Express" Hand out from AC Transit l to r: Peggy Furtado, Jacque Furtado Photo ran 12/3/1973, P. 41 Handout
Santa tries to cheer up a child with a candy cane while touring on an AC Transit bus "Santa's Express" Hand out from AC Transit l to r: Peggy Furtado, Jacque Furtado Photo ran 12/3/1973, P. 41 Handout
Mike Mangini Jr, as Santa Claus, ready to greet children December 19, 1976 Photo ran 12/20/1976, P. 2 Handout
Mike Mangini Jr, as Santa Claus, ready to greet children December 19, 1976 Photo ran 12/20/1976, P. 2 Handout
Father Christmas, the Victorian precursor of Santa Claus welcomes visitors at the Dickens Christmas Fair, 1987 Photo ran 12/13/1987, P. 12 Sunday Datebook
Father Christmas, the Victorian precursor of Santa Claus welcomes visitors at the Dickens Christmas Fair, 1987 Photo ran 12/13/1987, P. 12 Sunday Datebook
Twenty Santas make their way down to the Hyatt Regency to attend a training session and then be one of the St. Nicks to be placed into department stores throughout the Bay Area. Western Temporary Services had the graduation ceremony in the Hyatt's lobby. November 15, 1987.
lessTwenty Santas make their way down to the Hyatt Regency to attend a training session and then be one of the St. Nicks to be placed into department stores throughout the Bay Area. Western Temporary Services had
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Ron Arvin (alias "Santa Claus) is on his way to work as the Muni Santa. Each year he played Santa on the Muni Christmas Bus that traveled through the city, December 19, 1989.
Ron Arvin (alias "Santa Claus) is on his way to work as the Muni Santa. Each year he played Santa on the Muni Christmas Bus that traveled through the city, December 19, 1989.
Photo: Scott Sommerdorf, San Francisco Chronicle
Patrolman, Steve Venters, helps Sergeant John Harrington dress in his Santa suit. He was on his way (late) for an appointed time to pass out gifts to kids in the Tenderloin. Both are from the Central Station. December 23, 1988.
lessPatrolman, Steve Venters, helps Sergeant John Harrington dress in his Santa suit. He was on his way (late) for an appointed time to pass out gifts to kids in the Tenderloin. Both are from the Central Station.
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Santa parade down Market Street, downtown San Francisco, sponsored by the old Emporium Capwell store, November 21, 1982.
Santa parade down Market Street, downtown San Francisco, sponsored by the old Emporium Capwell store, November 21, 1982.
Photo: Frederic Larson, San Francisco Chronicle
"Santa Claus, Lawrence Kuliig, giving Christmas cheer to downtown San Francisco shoppers and business men, finally ran out of energy." December 22, 1980.
"Santa Claus, Lawrence Kuliig, giving Christmas cheer to downtown San Francisco shoppers and business men, finally ran out of energy." December 22, 1980.
Photo: Gary Fong, San Francisco Chronicle
Sears Roebuck sponsors a Santa helicopter. Nov. 28, 1952.
Sears Roebuck sponsors a Santa helicopter. Nov. 28, 1952.
Photo: Gordon Peters / The Chronicle
"Children can't believe their eyes, Santa at the wheel on Muni Metro, in San Francisco. December 23, 1981.
"Children can't believe their eyes, Santa at the wheel on Muni Metro, in San Francisco. December 23, 1981.
Photo: Frederic Larson, San Francisco Chronicle
Hanley Norins, V.P. of Young-Rubica is Santa Claus. December 25, 1962.
Hanley Norins, V.P. of Young-Rubica is Santa Claus. December 25, 1962.
Photo: Ken McLaughlin, San Francisco Chronicle
Iris Yipp visits with an Emporium Capwell Santa Claus, December 18, 1974.
Iris Yipp visits with an Emporium Capwell Santa Claus, December 18, 1974.
Photo: Chronicle Archives
Ray Matelli (playing Santa) in front of his Sunset District home gives Michelle Taufer (2) a candy cane. December 20, 1973.
Ray Matelli (playing Santa) in front of his Sunset District home gives Michelle Taufer (2) a candy cane. December 20, 1973.
Photo: Larry Tiscornia, San Francisco Chronicle
Sergeant John Harrington, of the Central Police Station, playing Santa, gave out toys at an apartment building on Eddy Street. Toys donated by the officers from the station, were handed out to about 200 children. December 23, 1988.
lessSergeant John Harrington, of the Central Police Station, playing Santa, gave out toys at an apartment building on Eddy Street. Toys donated by the officers from the station, were handed out to about 200
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The Santa Parade on down Market Street. Santa is riding on a stagecoach to stay out of the rain, waves to children along the way. November 24, 1985.
The Santa Parade on down Market Street. Santa is riding on a stagecoach to stay out of the rain, waves to children along the way. November 24, 1985.
Photo: Frederic Larson, San Francisco Chronicle
Santa goes undercover.. Santa seen in a police undercover car in Union Square in San Francisco, at the corner of Stockton and Geary Streets, December 4, 1991.
Santa goes undercover.. Santa seen in a police undercover car in Union Square in San Francisco, at the corner of Stockton and Geary Streets, December 4, 1991.
Photo: Frederic Larson, San Francisco Chronicle
Francis Dunville, dressed as Santa, on his way to work as a newspaper vendor at Montgomery and Bush Streets, in San Francisco. December 20, 1983.
Francis Dunville, dressed as Santa, on his way to work as a newspaper vendor at Montgomery and Bush Streets, in San Francisco. December 20, 1983.
Photo: Gary Fong, San Francisco Chronicle
Santa makes a visit to City Hall in San Francisco, December 8, 1971.
Santa makes a visit to City Hall in San Francisco, December 8, 1971.
Photo: Clem Albers, San Francisco Chronicle
Cindy and Diane visit PoPo the Clown and Santa Claus at Macy's, November 27, 1965.
Cindy and Diane visit PoPo the Clown and Santa Claus at Macy's, November 27, 1965.
Photo: Joe Rosenthal, San Francisco Chronicle
Kids line up to see Santa at San Francisco's Fort Mason, November 28, 1982.
Kids line up to see Santa at San Francisco's Fort Mason, November 28, 1982.
Photo: Chronicle Archives
Leo Rossi as Santa, in downtown San Francisco, visits with 4 year old Josette, December 17, 1973.
Leo Rossi as Santa, in downtown San Francisco, visits with 4 year old Josette, December 17, 1973.
Photo: Terry Schmitt, San Francisco Chronicle
Steven Jackson as Santa Claus, in San Francisco, exact location unknown, December 21, 1971.
Steven Jackson as Santa Claus, in San Francisco, exact location unknown, December 21, 1971.
Photo: Larry Tiscornia, San Francisco Chronicle
Maristella Escobar, 3, greets Macy's Santa clause in 1963.
Maristella Escobar, 3, greets Macy's Santa clause in 1963.
Photo: BOB CAMPBELL
Sergeant John Harrington, of the Central Police Station, playing Santa, gave out toys at an apartment building on Eddy Street. Toys donated by the officers from the station, were handed out to about 200 children. December 23, 1988.
lessSergeant John Harrington, of the Central Police Station, playing Santa, gave out toys at an apartment building on Eddy Street. Toys donated by the officers from the station, were handed out to about 200
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A policeman dressed as Santa Claus sits with two young children on his lap, San Francisco, California, December 16, 1971.
A policeman dressed as Santa Claus sits with two young children on his lap, San Francisco, California, December 16, 1971.
Photo: Underwood Archives, Getty Images
Santa arrives by car in the Emporium Capwell
11/5/1960
Santa arrives by car in the Emporium Capwell
11/5/1960
Photo: Photographer Unknown, The Chronicle
Santa wasn't just for the kids on December 16, 1970. Sitting on jolly old St. Nick's lap in Macy's, is Helen Maurer.
Santa wasn't just for the kids on December 16, 1970. Sitting on jolly old St. Nick's lap in Macy's, is Helen Maurer.
Photo: Chronicle Archives
Santa meets the people standing atop carriage driven by John Jenkel. Santa went down 5th Street to Market Street and down to the Emporium waving to children with parents in the overcast light, November 23, 1980.
lessSanta meets the people standing atop carriage driven by John Jenkel. Santa went down 5th Street to Market Street and down to the Emporium waving to children with parents in the overcast light, November 23,
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Last-minute shoppers fill downtown SF to buy gifts the old-fashioned way
It being too late to order anything online, thousands of people showed up in downtown San Francisco on Saturday to do the Christmas shopping thing the other way, with bags.
There were bags under arms, over shoulders, in backpacks and in carts. The people holding the bags were moving fast, the way people holding bags often do. Union Square could have passed for the airport, except for the lack of planes.
In some cases, the people carrying bags also carried children.
“We’re looking for things that tickle our fancy,” said Gabriel Thomas of San Jose, who was hauling his 5-year-old daughter, Ruby, on his shoulders while his wife, Freida, carried their 2-year-old daughter on hers. It was at least as cute as anything in the kitten adoption window at Macy’s.
From her perch on high, Ruby said she sure could have used a set of toy trains that she saw in a department store. Down below, Gabriel said he was too busy carrying Ruby to carry a railroad, even a small one.
A lot of shoppers already knew what they were getting for Christmas. Among these was Sweetpea the Chihuahua, who was walking down O’Farrell Street in a red cashmere sweater that her owner, Graham Myers of San Francisco, bought for her weeks ago.
“I gave her the sweater early, because it’s been so cold,” Myers said. “I didn’t want her to have to wait until Christmas.”
Sweetpea appeared grateful. Myers said that his dog can tell the difference between cashmere and lesser materials and that Christmas is not the time to cheap out on your only housemate.
He did manage to pick up for himself, with Sweetpea’s approval, a pair of brown pants that were on sale. He carried them and a pair of new shoes in one hand, and he carried Sweetpea’s leash in the other. That meant, he said, that he was plumb out of hands for carrying any more stuff.
At the Union Square ice skating rink, a long line of Brian Boitano wannabes had formed at the box office for the opening skating session. The smart thing to do, said one skater, is to skate first and shop second. That way your arms are free of packages and you can catch yourself before your rear end hits the ice.
Maureen Gradek of Healdsburg, who came to the rink with three kids and four grandkids, said she was all done skating and shopping for 2017. Her son Colin would be getting a carburetor for Christmas.
Colin, who wasn’t skating either, said he already knew he was getting a carburetor for Christmas because he had to tell his mom last month which carburetor to get. It’s a carburetor for a 1964 Chevy pickup, a part even harder to find than a 1964 Chevy pickup, and it’s wrapped up under the tree at home, in red and white striped paper.
“I think it’s really exciting,” he said. “It’s what I always wanted for Christmas. Now I can get my truck to run again. It hasn’t run for a year.”
Gradek said Colin had been a good boy this year and deserved his carburetor. Besides, he waited patiently while she went into Macy’s to shop for things besides carburetors, which are about the only things Macy’s doesn’t carry.
Macy’s does carry puppies and kittens, or at least it allows the San Francisco SPCA to display them in its storefront windows. A small crowd had gathered to watch a gray kitten audition for a possible adoption by swatting a ball around its enclosure, very cutely. Meanwhile, SPCA volunteers collected donations and urged softies to step inside and sign up for a kitten or a puppy. A sign said 182 people already had.
The shopping area around Union Square was full of sales, most of them with the phrase “up to” in them. At the Gap, stuff was up to 60 percent off. At H&M, stuff was up to 70 percent off, and at Old Navy stuff was up to 75 percent off.
The “up to” stuff was by the front door. The 75-percent-off stuff wasn’t.
Kim Resso and her 13-year-old daughter, Jillian, had come from Modesto for last-minute shopping and a night on the town. Jillian picked out a pair of boots for Christmas, and Kim said it was OK for her to wear them that evening, when the two of them were going to see “A Christmas Carol.” After that, the boots would go back in the box and be whisked back to Modesto to go under the tree, where Jillian would try her best to be surprised on Monday morning.
“This is a better way,” Mom said. “I usually shop online, but with her, it’s too risky. I don’t want to drive back and forth from Modesto again to exchange boots.”
Most people knew it was Christmas because of the nonstop carols coming out of loudspeakers, because of the bright red T-shirts on the tattooed techies in the Apple store, because of the tinkle of Salvation Army bells and because the never-ending subway construction morass on Stockton Street was plastered over once again by the seasonal cover of fake grass.
The subway to Chinatown may be running way behind, but Christmas is still scheduled for Monday, exactly one day before the stores reopen for exchanges and refunds.
Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com
