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.

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

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

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

I always do. Just use scan & go.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

All teh shops will have loads in stock. You’ll be fine.

I'm going on 22nd, it should be fine

I go in the evening and it's usually quiet (everyone else going at 6/7am!).
The shelves are continually refreshed so you should be fine.

Everyone goes early to avoid the crowds, this creates crowds its quieter in the afternoon. Also remember supermarkets opening times will be different with them closing early Sunday some will open at midnight others won't reopen until around 8am

Im going 23rd, no online slots, literally my only option around my work shifts. If they dont have everything then we dont have it, it is what it is, but i cant shop any other day.

I always go first opening on the 24th. Weirdly enjoy it. I really hate the long Christmas build up so present shopping is done over mid Dec, then food is the last thing and that feels suitably Christmassy to me. I usually order the joint from farmers in advance but that’s because none of us love roast Turkey.

Why don't you go now and do the bulk of it then you just need the fresh stuff on the 23rd rather then a full shop

I've got a shopping delivery slot booked at the weekend so that if anything isn't available I still have time to look in the shops on 23rd or 24th. I always get my shopping delivered each week so it isn't just because it is Christmas.

I did a lot today making sure any fridge stuff had a decent use by date on including the turkey crown which were thin in the ground. Bagged the last one in Sainsbo's (for today).

Will grab the rest after my last nightshift at 7am on Christmas Eve (expecting it to be a bit busy after this thread!) then my partner and I might take a walk to our nearest Waitrose in the eve to see if there are any bargains to be had.

You'll be fine so long as you get to the supermarket at 4am.

And then do the Organic Turkey Trot to grab your bird.

If you don't know what I'm talking about watch Grumpy Old Women at Christmas on YouTube - I watch it every year 😂

I got a turkey from M&S in a train station on Christmas Eve for £3.00… ! If you are open to what meat you have you will be fine.

I saw a ham joint for £32 in M&S yesterday. That’s absolutely insane. Who is paying them prices ?