Page 17 | To think that Xmas food shopping isn't a sodding family day out?

QueSyrahSyrah · 23/12/2024 09:50

YANBU. I'm going today as it's the first opportunity that I've had that DH is off work so can stay at home with the baby while I smash in and out with my list.

Where we live online supermarket shopping and delivery is not a thing that exists.

QueSyrahSyrah · 23/12/2024 09:53

Stopsnowing · 23/12/2024 08:43

I don’t see the issue. I sometimes take my children with me so they can help find/carry/load things. I think it is important they see the work/money/organisation that goes into feeding them!

Of course it is, but there are 51 other weeks of the year to make the family shop a learning experience. The last few days before Christmas when it's manic and packed is probably not the best time.

MistletoeMoments · 23/12/2024 10:03

I saw a mum, dad, and 2 young kids in M&S at 6am this morning. Both were still in their pyjamas and onesies, the daughter could barely keep her eyes open. Such a shame

QueSyrahSyrah · 23/12/2024 10:14

wishuponamoon21 · 22/12/2024 15:17

My DH suggested we go together. I am leaving him and 6 month old at home - couldn't think of anything worse than dealing with christmas m&s with Mr browse a lot and Mr cry a lot 🤣

Are you me?

suburburban · 23/12/2024 11:51

Laserwho · 23/12/2024 07:42

I'm a single mum who dosdn't drive. My teenage boys come with me to help me carry the shopping home. They are also old enough to have a say in what we buy. We enjoy it esp the Christmas shop. I won't start doing 3 shops alone just to please the op. We don't all have cars you know

Better for the environment too

DH is shopping and went on foot as he hates the car parks

Fortunately we aren't doing Christmas but have definitely experienced the hellishness of it before.

I do think though if it is busy in run up to Christmas it would be better to leave kids at home if there are others who can look after them

Everyone is stressed and wants to be in and out quickly so I can see both sides

MrsClaw90 · 23/12/2024 11:55

Please note, OP - other lifestyles are available.

MouldWoes · 23/12/2024 11:56

Everyone is stressed and wants to be in and out quickly so I can see both sides it's not my responsibility to reduce the stress of others. If I need help with the shopping I need help with the shopping.

Auburngal · 23/12/2024 11:56

Then still get people coming into shops this time of the year without bringing bags!! WTF is this about?

Bag charges have been in place for 9 years in England and if you bring your own bags and use 10 bags a week on average- food, clothes etc shopping. You are saving over £150 in a year! Think about how many presents that you could have bought with that?

MrsClaw90 · 23/12/2024 11:56

MistletoeMoments · 23/12/2024 10:03

I saw a mum, dad, and 2 young kids in M&S at 6am this morning. Both were still in their pyjamas and onesies, the daughter could barely keep her eyes open. Such a shame

Such a shame, why?

MouldWoes · 23/12/2024 11:57

Auburngal · 23/12/2024 11:56

Then still get people coming into shops this time of the year without bringing bags!! WTF is this about?

Bag charges have been in place for 9 years in England and if you bring your own bags and use 10 bags a week on average- food, clothes etc shopping. You are saving over £150 in a year! Think about how many presents that you could have bought with that?

Maybe they need more bags

ANEC · 23/12/2024 12:05

Tesco at 6am was a dream but starting to get busy as I left. 2 families with kids not old enough to be left on their own. What I couldn’t understand was the women pushed the trolleys, looking at the shopping lists and getting the food and drink while the men stood, hands in pockets, staring at the ceiling, dragging (obviously) tired kids around. Would it not have been easier to leave the dads and kids at home? I know both families and the women drive so they’re capable of getting there and back. You couldn’t pay me enough to go shopping with my hubby and daughter.

MouldWoes · 23/12/2024 12:05

QueSyrahSyrah · 23/12/2024 09:53

Of course it is, but there are 51 other weeks of the year to make the family shop a learning experience. The last few days before Christmas when it's manic and packed is probably not the best time.

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They can see the christmas shopping - it's different

MouldWoes · 23/12/2024 12:06

ANEC · 23/12/2024 12:05

Tesco at 6am was a dream but starting to get busy as I left. 2 families with kids not old enough to be left on their own. What I couldn’t understand was the women pushed the trolleys, looking at the shopping lists and getting the food and drink while the men stood, hands in pockets, staring at the ceiling, dragging (obviously) tired kids around. Would it not have been easier to leave the dads and kids at home? I know both families and the women drive so they’re capable of getting there and back. You couldn’t pay me enough to go shopping with my hubby and daughter.

She probably hoped he would actually help?

MouldWoes · 23/12/2024 12:07

Sheknowsaboutme · 22/12/2024 19:32

I popped in to tesco and it was clearly a family day out. Its not a place to bring the kids, and certainly Barbara should not hog the aisle when chatting to Peggy about her ailing health.

fuck off😂

Kids are not banned from Tesco and Barbara and Peggy might really appreciate their Tesco catch up.

MouldWoes · 23/12/2024 12:08

Auburngal · 22/12/2024 19:37

When working for the supermarket, had a few customers who bought things like they have absolutely nothing in! Including salt, pepper etc!

If people planned what they eat right to the veg, write a list based on what they do have and write a list what they need to buy. People will realise that they don’t need to spend as much money.

Why is that surprising. They might not usually have salt and pepper in but buy it for guests

Woahtherehoney · 23/12/2024 12:12

TiramisuCheesecake · 22/12/2024 15:42

YANBU. At any time of year but especially now, it's a one adult job. The other adult stays at home with the children. The last place kids want to be the weekend before CHristmas is in a supermarket.

Would love to hear from any posters who think letting their kids get in the way in a supermarket is a fantastic afternoon out.

Single parents don’t really have much choice!

Auburngal · 23/12/2024 12:13

ANEC · 23/12/2024 12:05

Tesco at 6am was a dream but starting to get busy as I left. 2 families with kids not old enough to be left on their own. What I couldn’t understand was the women pushed the trolleys, looking at the shopping lists and getting the food and drink while the men stood, hands in pockets, staring at the ceiling, dragging (obviously) tired kids around. Would it not have been easier to leave the dads and kids at home? I know both families and the women drive so they’re capable of getting there and back. You couldn’t pay me enough to go shopping with my hubby and daughter.

Those parents that dragged their kids that time of the morning when they are still tired, you are going to make this a very long day as they will be fretful, upset etc.

MouldWoes · 23/12/2024 12:13

Justgorgeous · 22/12/2024 18:26

Maybe you could discuss it and then one of you goes.

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Why?

slightlydistrac · 23/12/2024 12:15

Round here it seems that Ikea is the place of choice for people to take their whingeing kids for a day out.

MouldWoes · 23/12/2024 12:22

slightlydistrac · 23/12/2024 12:15

Round here it seems that Ikea is the place of choice for people to take their whingeing kids for a day out.

The meatballs are good tbf

MaMoosie · 23/12/2024 12:27

I’d take tantrumming kids any day over the hordes of old people that just stand in the middle of the aisles in the way and the absolute bellends that leave their trolley in the aisle while they walk up and down the aisle gathering their bits.

ChefBingo · 23/12/2024 12:48

CheeseTime · 23/12/2024 06:10

Ps. It was bright and sunny. Pedestrianised area outside with the Salvation Army band playing carols and lots of space.
I was cheerful, the family seemed lovely. No stress, grumpiness or drama. It was just a weird bit of obliviousness to that particular situation where they got in the way and held everyone up more than necessary.

I don't think it's their fault everyone else seems to be in such a rush.

Tarraleah · 23/12/2024 13:00

Auburngal · 23/12/2024 08:41

My friend who still works at my former workplace said the store opened at 6am and one of the first customers was a family of 5 - both parents and 3 kids - she was guessing the ages - 5, 7 and 10.

There was no need to drag the kids out of bed at least 5:30am. They are going to be grouchy later on.

so the mum should get up at 5:30 while the rest of a house can sleep in, and she'll be the only one shattered tonight desperate for her bed while no one else will be ready to sleep for hours?

That's sounds like a great plan.

Stopsnowing · 23/12/2024 13:01

ANEC · 23/12/2024 12:05

Tesco at 6am was a dream but starting to get busy as I left. 2 families with kids not old enough to be left on their own. What I couldn’t understand was the women pushed the trolleys, looking at the shopping lists and getting the food and drink while the men stood, hands in pockets, staring at the ceiling, dragging (obviously) tired kids around. Would it not have been easier to leave the dads and kids at home? I know both families and the women drive so they’re capable of getting there and back. You couldn’t pay me enough to go shopping with my hubby and daughter.

Why do you assume it will be the mother doing a mega shop for Christmas alone? Why can’t two parents shop and manage their children jointly?

Elphame · 23/12/2024 13:14

loveawineloveacrisp · 22/12/2024 14:47

Just been to M&S for final food shop and the bloody place was over run with entire families shopping together. Just why? If the kids are old enough to be left then they shouldn't be traipsing around and getting in the way when the place is crowded as it is at this time of year.

And as for people who can't drive the right way round a one way car park: kindly fuck off and don't drive if you can't follow road signs.

That's all. Now can someone please pass the 🍷

Just had a very similar experience in Waitrose.

It's usually lovely in there but today it was hell on earth. Not helped by them using the Scan and Go machines for the self scanners putting through large trolley loads very slowly.

Full of families all doing their shopping with feral toddlers running around. I saw one very close call when a toddler ran around the end of an aisle almost under the wheels of a trolley. Men standing around aimlessly and in the way!

I wouldn't normally go anywhere near so close to the 25th but having just come back from a week away followed by 3 days working, I had no choice. The cupboard was almost literally bare.