There is a shopping frenzy in Panama ahead of Christmas. Consumption is concentrated in key hours, especially on December 23 and 24. Toy stores and supermarkets are bustling. Many residents are rushing to buy gifts for their children and ingredients for the Christmas dinner, such as turkey, ham, rice with gandú beans, and drinks. Despite traffic jams and overcrowded public transport, Panamanians are not backing down: 'The Christmas dinner is non-negotiable.' In the last 48 hours, merchants are recording the bulk of their December sales. Supermarket shelves are emptying, and in metro cars and metrobuses, people struggle to carry their full shopping bags. Despite the heat and fatigue, everyone is trying to make it in time for the holiday, because in Panama, December 24 is all about last-minute problem-solving.
