If you were planning on getting a head start on Christmas shopping Thursday -- you may want to reconsider.

Simon, one of the largest mall operators in the country, says its malls will stay closed Thursday to allow employees to spend the holiday with family.

The company has 13 shopping locations in New Jersey, including the Livingston, Menlo Park, Ocean County, and Quaker Bridge malls. They also own the Gloucester, Jackson and Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, the Newport Centre, Newport Crossing, Newport Plaza, Rockaway Townsquare, The Mills at Jersey Gardens and The Shops at Riverside.

In New York, Simon owns seven properties, including the Roosevelt Field and Smith Haven malls, the Walt Whitman Shops, The Westchester in White Plains, the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and The Shops at Nanuet.

Major retailers, including Walmart and Target, are also keeping locations closed Thursday.