WIBU to do Christmas food shop on Christmas Eve?

[LuckyAmy1986]

We are away until the 23rd when I think we will be too tired to do the food shop. WIBU to do it on Christmas Eve or will a lot of things be sold out? It's only me, DH and DC at home so only have ourselves to cook for but we would like all the good Xmas stuff! Not planning on getting a turkey as we will have chicken and beef but worried about things like all the veg and sides and dessert. TIA

What time do you return on 23rd?
We're getting our Xmas food delivered between 9-11pm on 23rd would that be an option?

Probably not wise. Can't you get it delivered?

I’ve been shopping fairly early on Xmas eve morning (7-8am ish) for the last couple of years and it’s been fine. Lots of stuff on the shelves and hardly anyone in the shop. Could you do an online order for the morning of the 24th and then only go out of anything doesn’t turn up?

We could get it delivered but I would rather choose my own things, especially the veg. We will get back around lunch time on 23rd. So not a good idea then?

It would be at Sainsbury's by the way, if that makes a difference!

I used to work in a supermarket. We used to get a humongous delivery of all the biggest sellers on the night of the 23rd, so big that the veg generally was stacked in front of the displays. However we would generally sell out around 2pmish especially meat.

I've also done my Xmas shopping a few times on Xmas eve and find if you go early they're pretty well stocked of the usual suspects. I would however buy meat beforehand or order it to be picked up. I know Morrison's and I think Tesco do an ordering service (separate to the usual online orders) be picked up in store.

I went shopping on xmas even morning at around 9am as the stuff I had bought wasn’t enough due to unprepared guests turning up and there was nothing left I got one bag of carrots that’s it no other veg available or anything it was terrible but shops maybe stock more than others in different areas but I wouldn’t wait til legends if possible.

I have always done the food shop Xmas eve morning!! Never not got everything on the list!!

It’ll be completely fine. I live near a marks and Spencer and like to go for a walk round on Christmas Eve to get any last minute bits. I go in the morning and the shelves are always heaving with veg etc. No shortage at all. I’d rather go in person on
Christmas Eve rather than rely on a delivery which might not bring everything then have to go out anyway. What makes the difference is I live in walking distance. The car park is always pure madness but I can calmly walk there and back in peace :)

I'd order what you can in advance (definitely the meat at least), and go early on Christmas Eve morning so you've got time to go elsewhere if one shop has run out of something

We shop for all our Christmas food on Christmas Eve every year. This is not my choice but rather an annual battle with DH. It will be fine.

Do it! Last year, I got £80 worth of meat for £23! I was in heaven. Packs of chicken breasts for 50p etc. Hoping for a good haul this year

My main piece of advise is to get the there before they open and have a very clear plan. It'll get busy very quickly (people used to be literally ducking under the shutters when we opened up) but it's possible to be in and out very quickly if you know exactly what you're getting.

Remember Xmas eve falls on a Sunday so trading hours will be limited more than if it had fallen during the week unless you're in Scotland obviously.

I have done Christmas Eve befote with no problem. Just get there when it opens.

Hi I do this every year at 7am and it's really festive

Yes, I was in my local Tesco on 23rd and 24th and served by the same woman - she said it was always quieter on the 24th (and possible bargain!)
I tend to buy what I can ahead of time and and freeze anything I can (soup, bacon for breakfast etc) I then pick up the veg etc on the 24th.

I usually do the fresh bits on Christmas eve, early in the morning. Some supermarkets do a pick up in store option, could you order it before you go away & collect on the morning of 24th? To be honest, if there aren't many of you, will the odd thing missing spoil it for any of you? You can order a turkey, freeze pigs in blankets, anything else is a bonus. Potatoes & veg won't be out of stock, & if necessary have frozen.

Remember that Xmas Eve is on a Sunday this year. Not sure if that is going to affect stores opening hours?

You'll be fine, especially if you aren't getting a turkey. We did it on the 23rd last year and got everything and a turkey just fine (main problem was thawing the damn thing in only 48 hours, particularly since we didn't have room to put it back in the fridge when it was done). We did a small shop on Christmas eve and there were still plenty of turkeys and other things too.

I'd get the turkey now and buy the rest on Xmas Eve.

Thanks everyone, it seems the general consensus is that it will be fine so I think I will go for it, although I hadn't thought about it being a Sunday too so wonder if it will open any earlier than normal.

I usually head out at about 6am on Christmas eve, my local supermarket is open 24 hrs a day in the run up the Christmas. It's a great time to get everything and not be queuing at the tills for hours, then I come home and have breakfast and have a chilled out day. Plus, I'm ready for a nice early night after an early start so I'm not as tired when the DC wake up early because they're excited.

If you're flexible about what you get, it's fine, and you may get some good bargains. If you're going to be disappointed without your hoped-for beef, or baby carrots etc, then go earlier.

I'd stock up on all your basics before you go away and anything you can freeze. And then depending on how much you have left to buy either an on line shop to be delivered in the afternoon or evening of the 23rd and then if you do need to shop on Xmas eve it will only be for a few things and you can get there early.

I usually have most things but have gone shopping on Xmas eve a few times. Up early and queing outside before they open. Home for breakfast. I've not been buying everything though.

Another tip I saw on here a few years ago was to buy as much as you can in advance and then just go to a local Co-op for fresh veg on Xmas eve.

Do it!! Our plans were unexpectedly cancelled a couple of years ago, which meant we had to go on Christmas Eve morning and it was absolutely fine. We got there about 9.30am, shelves were heaving and it was lovely and quiet 😊 Not sure how this year's opening hours will affect that though...