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

[LostittoBostik]

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.

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?

The shops will be mostly fully stocked on the basics. Deliveries will be happening all through except for Christmas day.

Sainsbos in my area still has some slots on 21st and 22nd.

Unfortunately we're away at the weekend so that doesn't work for us

Will be fine if you get in early doors. All the supermarkets will be well stocked, it's the crowds you want to avoid.

You can get nearly all of it now and just keep in the fridge or freezer. I've got nearly everything with just a veg and cream / coleslaw shop planned for 22nd. It will all last!

It'll be fine
We often do it then

Yes, I was going to go at 6am doors opening on Monday 23rd

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

Could you do a click and collect order? If its not in the store you still won't get it but st least you won't have to fight the hoards and can do the planning at home.
Make it for as early in the day as possible, get in and get out

Thanks! I think I'm going to risk it. I live in a big city so lots of options if the first supermarket doesn't have one crucial thing

Fresh chickens will be available

One big tip from my experience of working 17 years at a supermarket. Do not shop between 9:30am-12:30pm. It’s hell! Customers think supermarkets are only open for 3 hours!

Ideally do the food shopping very early.

Mince pies will be available, Every year my work ran out of a certain item. It was never mince pies. Maybe a type ran out.

You'll be fine. I always do my Christmas shop at 6am Christmas Eve and never had an issue. Niche items may not be available but the supermarkets know they're going to be busy and stock accordingly.

You could get mince pies and nibbles - whatever you want- this week/weekend.

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

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 👍

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

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 🤣

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

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 .

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

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.

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

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)

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.