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Original poster

How much of the extra 16 pints of milk and 5 loaves of bread bought just in case are actually consumed

132 replies

unn · 20/12/2025 07:29

Will be celebrating Xmas Day with my parents and a couple of their friends. Our milk and bread consumption is less than normal as drink Buck’s Fizz instead of coffee.

I see shoppers buying ridiculous amounts of milk and bread.

I reckon the extra 16 pints of milk and 5 loaves of bread, bought just in case - of what? Most will be binned.

OP posts:
Deliaskis · 20/12/2025 07:40

I've never really understood why people don't understand this. Plenty of people have large family groups, often staying for several days, over the Christmas break, so of course they get through a lot of the basics. Those that don't, likely just don't want to spend their holidays popping to the shops every couple of days to top up. They want to be at home resting and relaxing and spending time with family. I don't think it's that hard to understand.

Sartre · 20/12/2025 07:38

Agreed. The shops close for one day and to be honest some small shops actually open in many towns and cities, I know our local corner shop always does so things like milk and bread wouldn’t be an issue. Plus you’re right, I have no idea how many people are even consuming bread on Xmas day.

Octavia64 · 20/12/2025 07:38

Once I hosted the extended family for Christmas.

we had sixteen at every meal for three days.

that really was a hell of a shop. I had it all organised by meal and used the outside as a fridge.

waitandwatch · 20/12/2025 07:37

We get through 16 pints of milk in 3 days in our house. Probably 2 loaves of bread in that time too. I always see people side eyeing my trolley (especially during COVID times) thinking I'm stock piling but I'm not even getting a week's worth!

cloudtreecarpet · 20/12/2025 07:36

Shops and adverts feed into the idea that we have to "stock up" for Christmas but unless you are catering for a huge group (which some are of course) it's really not needed. And it really is just a fancy roast dinner!

I have a couple of friends who book their Xmas delivery shop in about October and then talk incessantly about it, this year has been the same but one is only catering for a family of four and the other isn't even hosting Xmas this year so I just don't get what the fuss is about.

TeenToTwenties · 20/12/2025 07:34

Milk and bread both freeze.
Plus some people have large family gatherings and may not want to spend time shopping.
Some people have cereal and toast daily.
Some families go big on hot chocolate, plus bread sauce of course!

Dontyoulooktired · 20/12/2025 07:31

I’ve never got it either. But we live over the road from a corner shop who would still be trading in the event of nuclear Armageddon, so theres no need. They will still be open on Christmas Day, as usual.

Seriously though, I’m 46 and have had my own home and family since I was 21. I’ve never even done a “Christmas shop.” It’s a fucking roast dinner.