San Ysidro. –Lower prices, greater selection, and more quality products: That pretty much sums up the main reasons why Tijuana residents go through the ordeal of waiting

up to four hours, as was the case Thursday, two days before Christmas,

to go to San Diego for their Christmas shopping.

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"Everything is more expensive in Tijuana, and not as good," said Samantha Guillén, a 21 year-old student who was doing some last minute shopping at Las Americas Premium Outlets, in San Ysidro. "I'd rather make more time at the border, because it is so worth it."

December usually means higher sales for San Ysidro merchants because of the holiday season, which also means longer border wait times, sometimes up to three hours during peak hours a few days before Christmas.

"It's tiring," said Julián Díaz, a father of four who added that with what he saves by shopping in San Ysidro he can get a little extra for himself.

"But we enjoy having options here, looking for sales, looking for any specials they might have in the stores."

On Christmas Eve, Las Americas was still packed with customers from all over the county. But judging by the license plates on the cars that filled the parking lot, most of those shopping come from Baja California.

San Ysidro merchants welcome the clientele, since a lot of its sales depend on Tijuana customers throughout the year, but especially during this season.

"Yes, a lot of people come from across the border," said María Sánchez, an employee at a small booth that sales electronics at Las Americas.

"The majority of customers speak Spanish, and they buy a lot."

This year, the rain that stormed San Diego did affect sales, according to Saúl Peralta, an employee at a popular clothing chain store.

"These last few days that it rained people didn't cross as much to buy, I think," he said.

But he did agree that if it weren't for Tijuana residents, Las Americas would be very lonely.

"They are the backbone of all of this for sure," he said.

As long as San Ysidro stores keep having sales, and offering items she's looking for, Lidia Castro will continue making line; even for two hours.

"In Tijuana they don't have this quality at this price," she said while browsing for last-minute gifts at Old Navy in Las Americas.

"That's the advantage of living at the border."