COVID-19 continues to climb in Atlantic Canada and across the country, the Christmas shopping rush has kicked in early. Coronavirus Christmas: Canadians should celebrate outdoors, virtually, experts say According to the Retail Council of Canada, one quarter of Canadians had already started Christmas shopping back in October.Jim Cormier, the Retail Council of Canada’s Atlantic Director, said the council has launched a “shop early shop safe” campaign encouraging people to spread out their shopping over a longer period to avoid the last-minute rush and long line ups as an added safety precaution amid the pandemic.“We encourage people to do some of your research at home that way when you do come into a brick and mortar store if you choose to.