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

[loveawineloveacrisp]

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 🍷

I cringe when I see two parents, multiple kids including teenagers who could have stayed home.

In M&S on Saturday and a couple with pushchair and another child arguing and complaining that the child was ruining her “ experience “! FGS leave the kids at home with OH, not hard is it.

The last couple of times I've been (non christmas) shopping in the supermarket, I've seen whole families, usually mum, dad a baby and a toddler and I wonder why you would do that to yourself.the toddler is usually having a tantrum (or 2) and it doesn't seem an enjoyable experience for any family member.

FWIW I online shopped when my DC were little, and now go shopping with teen DD. Shopping with DH is really stressful , I'd possibly choose a toddler over him! 🤣

also people who can’t navigate car parks, or reverse park, or block the car park because they’ve seen someone get into a car and think they are leaving

also people who sit in the car having a chat oblivious to those waiting for a parking spot

What shops are open after 4pm on a Sunday??

But you have no idea why they are all there. They may be helping to chose the whipping, buying last minute presents or some other reason, In any case they have as much right as anyone else to be in the shop.

It's not the 50s. Mummy doesn't have to go shopping alone while daddy and the kids chill at home in peace.

Good idea to take the kids and involve them, instead of treating them like little kings and serve them!

It's busy? Well, yes, and you being there are part of the problem. Go another time or shop online.

Shops outside of England

You were contributing to the place being absolutely rammed. Why didn’t you do your shopping online?

During one of the lockdowns I saw a woman I vaguely know in the pet shop with a new puppy. She's there with her DH and 4 children , 3 of whom were teens!

Personally I hate taking both of mine shopping but one on one isn't so bad. I take them both if I need to but it's not an enjoyable experience. I would much rather leave one or both at home with the husband (and soon by themselves) than deal with them but sometimes needs must. It's not often we shop as a 4, maybe if we are on holiday and need to do a shop for the week or just nip in for something but usually one of us would stay in the car with the kids whilst the other ran in.

My childhood was spent traipsing round the supermarket or round town every Saturday and I often wonder what the point was. It wasn't the best of experiences for anybody.

I was in M&S today with DH and my two DD. It is one of the few times of the year we all go shopping and everyone picks out what they would like and has a proper look around the shop. Both girls picked out things I wouldn't have necessarily picked out for them and was so excited to be in the hussle and bustle. Two different people commented on how well behaved they were.

It's Christmas! Stop being so miserable!

Why not if they want to? Just because you and some others don't like it? Online shop if it bothers you so much.

Is anywhere open at 10pm on a Sunday?

They have as every right as anyone else to be there

There are supermarkets near me where Sunday hours are 12-6pm

If you can't cope with other people in shops, do your shopping online. Simple.

My local Sainsbury’s…..Scotland…. is open till 11pm

In total agreement with the OP!!

Plus thank you for the tip off as I’m hoping this means M and S won’t be rammed in Xmas Eve 🧑‍🎄🥂. Nb. No one go then please 😀😜

Maybe the kids want to choose?
Maybe the parents are trying to get the kids engaged in preparing meals?
Maybe the kids wanted to come?
My teens are in charge of puddings.

We were daft enough to go into M&S today, it was mental, no trolley’s available, queuing all round the store, car park was rammed, we left without spending a penny, went down the road to Tesco, what a difference, their was a wonderful brass band playing, parked easily, bought what we needed. Came home, we would have still been queuing in M&S!

It’s the other adults who get on my nerves in shops, not children.

Well it costs as much as a family day out so maybe people think let’s bring the whole family and take our time 🤷‍♀️

I reckon supermarkets quite like it when people bring kids along!! I’m sure that the parents end up spending more money. M&S didn’t invent Percy Pigs for nothing ;) Conversely, I expect supermarkets hate organised people with lists who have a clear plan and never deviate from it. Where’s the extra profit be made in that 🤣

I just move their trolley if it's unattended