BIRCH RUN -- Christmas is Saturday and that means it's time for the great escape.
AAA predicts more Mid-Michigan residents will travel this Christmas, but high gas prices are dampening spirits.
“They stink, just too much," said truck Driver Chuck Kusiak. "A lot of people can't afford it.”
Gas prices have skyrocketed in recent weeks. The national average is around $3 a gallon, but in Birch Run it's higher.
Analysts say gas prices are 40 cents higher this time than last year, and some people say that's putting a crimp on their Christmas gift shopping.
“I can't really get the presents I want for the family," Kusiak said. "It makes it rough, it really does.”
AAA predicts more than 92 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles this Christmas.
Sterling Heights resident Mary Beth Thompson is one of them.
“We're going to Bay City," Thompson said. "My dad is having open heart surgery today, so he will be in the hospital for Christmas.”
AAA says nine of 10 people plan to drive somewhere to celebrate the holidays.
To prepare for the rush, the Conlee Travel Center in Birch Run has two extra employees working every shift.
"A lot of busy people coming in," said sales clerk Beth Ann Clore.
With gas prices so high, the staff said they try and bring some Christmas cheer to customers.
“We joke around with them and get them laughing and cheerful,” Clore said.
“It starts it off a lot better, instead of people giving you the finger, or yelling at ya, or swearing at ya, you know,” Kusiak said.
It seems high prices can't bring down that holiday spirit.
Analysts say this is the fifth straight holiday with an increase in travel.
