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Original poster

To do a Christmas food shop in person on 23rd?

139 replies

LostittoBostik · 18/12/2024 21:45

I'm hosting Xmas for 6 this year but this is the first time I've hosted without having a food delivery slot booked. This is because we've dropped deliveries in favour of doing a shop ourselves this year as part of drive to save money on our food costs as a family, so I missed things like the Ocado booking slot reminder.
I've never done a Xmas the old fashioned way - going around the shop with a giant trolley.
I'm only doing a large chicken rather than turkey as only 4 of 6 eat meat. Will there be a chicken left to buy on the 23rd in a large superstore? And will things like mince pies be left?
Sorry if I sound quite stupid! The mental load overwhelm is out of control and I'm suddenly having a massive panic attack about it all.

OP posts:
MichaelAndEagle · 18/12/2024 22:19

It will be absolutely fine, even on the 24th. You'll go and wonder what you were even worried about.
I bet you get everything on your list.

MereDintofPandiculation · 18/12/2024 22:19

LostittoBostik · 18/12/2024 21:54

We really don't have room to do that sadly - only a little freezer space and not a huge fridge tbh.

Show quote history

In current temperatures, quite a few things will be fine outdoors in biscuit tins.

At this time of year our porch acts as an extension to our fridge, I've already done our last shop.

Differentstarts · 18/12/2024 22:18

Iv done the Christmas food shop then going to nip Sunday grab a basket and get the fresh bits so il be in and out

marriednotdead · 18/12/2024 22:17

You'll be fine. I can only shop on Monday too, I'm away for the weekend and working on Christmas Eve. No room in the fridge/freezer for excess and at this point I'm not even sure who is going to be there for dinner on either Christmas Day or Boxing Day so haven't even confirmed a menu!
There's a leg of lamb and 3 dozen PIBs in the freezer, the rest will sort itself out somehow. I am never usually this laid back but it seems unimportant somehow.

MrsToothyBitch · 18/12/2024 22:17

Go very early and you'll probably be fine, my mum sometimes goes early doors on xmas eve or 23rd for best dates on a few fresh things in general. Veg etc normally aren't a problem. I think you'd be ok with meat but personally that's the one thing I'd have made room in the freezer for and sorted already.

Pipsquiggle · 18/12/2024 22:14

I should have mentioned, I work in grocery retail which is why I know about stock levels in shops

Elphamouche · 18/12/2024 22:12

We’ve never had a delivery. Always do the 23rd. It’s fine.

Frangywangywoowah · 18/12/2024 22:12

I always used to go on 23 or 24...for some mad reason I'd enjoy it. I'd just take my time and be amuses by all the people flapping around me.

Pipsquiggle · 18/12/2024 22:11

The 23rd Dec is the busiest shopping day so shops should have stock. Everything is geared up to get all the stock into shops for this date.

I would go as early as possible, as soon as it opens

Bjorkdidit · 18/12/2024 22:10

YABU. That's when we shop and I don't want everyone finding out that before 7 am on the 23rd or 24th is the best time to shop because the shop isn't busy and everything is in stock.

I'm truly thankful that most people go at different times or go crazy booking delivery slots to leave me to shop in peace.

Tink3rbell30 · 18/12/2024 22:10

I always do. Just use scan & go.

BitOutOfPractice · 18/12/2024 22:04

There will be plenty of stuff in the shops then. And on 24th.

Katemax82 · 18/12/2024 22:03

There will be loads of chicken left..there's even loads of turkeys when I go shopping on Christmas eve

DreamW3aver · 18/12/2024 22:03

Unless you have some very specific and unusual items on your shopping list I can't imagine there will be any issue at all.

FiveWhatByFiveWhat · 18/12/2024 22:02

I'm cooking for 8 and I'm doing my main food shop on 23rd @LostittoBostik I do it every year, sometimes even Christmas eve for the veg.

MargaritaPracticallyCan · 18/12/2024 22:01

I always used to go to a smaller Tesco (bigger than neighbourhood, smaller the Extra) early on 23rd or 24th to get veggies and any extra bits. Always worked really well, not busy and well stocked. (I would've ordered the turkey crown from the farm shop in advance tho)

Original poster
LostittoBostik · 18/12/2024 21:59

AwakeNotThruChoice · 18/12/2024 21:46

Can you not get some stuff tomorrow then get the fresh things Monday? No idea what will be left in the shop. Get a chicken and freeze it?

I have work (long hours) tomorrow and Friday then away visiting a friend at the weekend - but might have time to do a little of the non-fresh stuff on Sat AM

OP posts:
magicstar1 · 18/12/2024 21:58

I’ve never used deliveries for Christmas food. DH and I go and do a big shop a day or two before Christmas and always get everything. You’ll be fine.

readingmakesmehappy · 18/12/2024 21:58

23rd is the busiest grocery shopping day of the year. Go very early.

natwalesrug · 18/12/2024 21:58

Have always done the food shop 22nd/ 23rd and never a problem. Have actually quite enjoyed it and can get best sell by dates etc .

Original poster
LostittoBostik · 18/12/2024 21:57

Lottapianos · 18/12/2024 21:56

We're planing a 7am Sainsbury's trip on Monday 23rd. Expecting it to be somewhat busy but fully stocked. Do a list, get in and get out, done 👍

Fab! If others are planning it, it can't be a truly stupid idea. Thank you 🙏🏻

OP posts:
Original poster
LostittoBostik · 18/12/2024 21:56

Ablondiebutagoody · 18/12/2024 21:55

Go at about 6pm on the 24th. There will be mountains of stuff, all heavily reduced. I love a Christmas Eve game of turkey roulette

Ha! I would do that if it was just me and DH and the kids but the family members coming would be appalled if that went wrong 🤣

OP posts:
YesThatsATurdOnTheRug · 18/12/2024 21:56

I always do this and it's always fine. I go to M&S though so it's not so crowded.

Lottapianos · 18/12/2024 21:56

We're planing a 7am Sainsbury's trip on Monday 23rd. Expecting it to be somewhat busy but fully stocked. Do a list, get in and get out, done 👍

Ablondiebutagoody · 18/12/2024 21:55

Go at about 6pm on the 24th. There will be mountains of stuff, all heavily reduced. I love a Christmas Eve game of turkey roulette