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Original poster

To not do a Christmas food shop?

66 replies

ChristmasLightss · 23/12/2024 18:20

I don’t have much money (£50 until I get paid on Friday) this is our first Christmas without my ex husband, we have been split for 6 months. My mum and dad have told me not worry as they are doing Christmas dinner and have lots of food in for us. I just feel like I should do a Christmas food shop. I am not feeling this Christmas at all it all feels really strange.

OP posts:
Original poster
ChristmasLightss · 23/12/2024 19:07

Baconking · 23/12/2024 19:04

What are you wanting to buy?

I shouldn't imagine your kids are bothered by a full fridge.

I've cut right back the last few years, buying a load of food just because it's Christmas. I just buy the roast essentials, a few chocolates and a couple of tubes of pringles. If we want anything else I can buy it after Christmas

I just feel like all I have in my fridge is some strawberries, cheese, blueberries and some pate 🤣🤣

OP posts:
Baconking · 23/12/2024 19:04

What are you wanting to buy?

I shouldn't imagine your kids are bothered by a full fridge.

I've cut right back the last few years, buying a load of food just because it's Christmas. I just buy the roast essentials, a few chocolates and a couple of tubes of pringles. If we want anything else I can buy it after Christmas

WtP · 23/12/2024 19:03

You will probably be able to get Christmas food cheaper after the event so your money will go further.

Orangesandlemons77 · 23/12/2024 18:58

OP you could try Iceland, they had some bargains on there and they can do free delivery but if not it is OK.

Cosyblankets · 23/12/2024 18:52

For one reason or another we've not really done a big shop and I've got to say i found it quite liberating

Hagpie · 23/12/2024 18:51

From my armchair I can diagnose a severe case of mum-guilt. I promise you you have done extremely well and Christmas is going to be great. You do NOT need to buy your children’s love because they already adore you. I can prescribe an internet hug and the backing of many women on this thread.

Merry Christmas angel. ❤️

Jellycatspyjamas · 23/12/2024 18:50

What would you normally buy for Christmas? I wonder if it’s feeling different because you’re on your own this year and things you’d usually have bought and shared don’t appeal in the same way? I’d use that £50 to buy something for you - whether that’s a food treat, a bottle of whatever. You’ve done really well to sort the kids out, now it’s your turn.

AConcernedCitizen · 23/12/2024 18:47

ChristmasLightss · 23/12/2024 18:23

£15 goes nowhere these days does it.

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Could you go to a Poundland or B&M or something? You'll be able to get a bunch of biscuits/sweets/multipack things for £15 that will last a few days in bowls :-)

LadyTiredWinterBottom2 · 23/12/2024 18:44

It's bound to feel weird this year. Get a few treats in though - Tesco do really nice own brand popcorn for 99p a bag for a movie afternoon 😋 and Aldi Lidl do some really nice chocolate.

Everydayimhuffling · 23/12/2024 18:43

I wouldn't worry about it. I haven't done a big food shop because we're away for Christmas day. You've got Christmas day sorted with your parents, and you have everything ready for your kids. That's great! You're doing a good job!

If you want nice things for the holiday after Christmas, I'm you'll be able to get what you want. Don't stress about it.

TheCheeryLeader · 23/12/2024 18:42

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Original poster
ChristmasLightss · 23/12/2024 18:42

Hobnobswantshernameback · 23/12/2024 18:38

Am I missing something.
You are being paid on Friday and have dinner on Xmas day sorted.
Surely fifty quid is enough to cover some food for two children and adults for barely three days

I know, can somebody give me a shake please

OP posts:
WimbyAce · 23/12/2024 18:41

We are at family Christmas and Boxing Day so I've just done my normal food shop. No point buying stuff for the sake of it

Hobnobswantshernameback · 23/12/2024 18:38

Am I missing something.
You are being paid on Friday and have dinner on Xmas day sorted.
Surely fifty quid is enough to cover some food for two children and adults for barely three days

HPandthelastwish · 23/12/2024 18:38

A bag of toblerone minis or similar are £2.50, Pringles £1.50, box of crackers £3, some cheese £3, 3 for £8 party selection including a ton of chicken bits.

But display it nicely if you have Christmas crockery, or buy some red / Christmas paper bowls and plates. Or just eat you normal food like that, a bag of crisps in a christmasy bowl feels very different to just eating it out of its packet

It will be novel, around £20 and fun, Christmas film on or Just Dance Christmas on YouTube.

We haven't decorated this year as DD is at her dad's and then we open our presents at my parents, I'm feeling very I christmasy but we'll still have a good day. I Have a few picky Christmas bits in the fridge but no giant shop, there's two of us that would be a bit daft.. But I help out and contribute at my parents house, run them around in the car as they don't drive.

TheCheeryLeader · 23/12/2024 18:37

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2dogsandabudgie · 23/12/2024 18:36

If you are at your parents on Christmas Day and then get paid on Friday it's only Boxing Day that you have to think about. As your children are 4 and 7 they probably won't be bothered about Christmas food as such.

You could buy them a selection box each and just get a few treats.

ThinWomansBrain · 23/12/2024 18:32

If you feel a real need for a Christmas food shop, save it until tomorrow afternoon and buy some yellow sticker stuff.

fivebyfivebuffy · 23/12/2024 18:32

Aldi have loads of stuff in for about £1-2 a bag

Original poster
ChristmasLightss · 23/12/2024 18:31

I know. I think I am just a bit down and being hard on myself.

OP posts:
Dollshousedolly · 23/12/2024 18:31

Remember you’ve one less adult in the house this year, so wouldn’t need to buy so much food anyway.

Everlygreen · 23/12/2024 18:30

It's actually odd because I did an enormous food shop today at M&S and it came to around 110. I have just said this to dh that if you spend £50 you could have a fabulous meal. I really think food in this country is insanely cheap. There are so many deals and offers, it's just incredible. I'm a very good cook and really do a feast, so I think 50 is enough to do something proper. BUT as you are going to your parents then it's not necessary at all to spend money if you don't need to. If you want to spend money why don't make a platter? Lots of fruit, cheese , some of those party food, a lovely dip, some chocolates in between? I doubt that would even be £50. Don't worry about having a full fridge, it feels like that's what it's about but not really.

TheCheeryLeader · 23/12/2024 18:28

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TheCheeryLeader · 23/12/2024 18:28

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Dollshousedolly · 23/12/2024 18:28

ChristmasLightss · 23/12/2024 18:23

£15 goes nowhere these days does it.

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It would get a few boxes of chocolates. What is it you want to buy ?