to think it is good that supermarkets/express/garages are all closed christmas day

[WillowTit]

i am sure in previous years shops would open for a couple of hours
discovered that we dont have enough wine but apart from premium overpriced stores shops are shut
and major garages too
i have enough petrol,
we will manage without the extra wine
i am glad the shops are shut
aibu

I dunno......I'm very pleased for the staff, everyone deserves a feet up day,

On the other side, my host has ordered enough food to cater a royal wedding but we're down to our last whisp of bog roll and there's 6 of us.

I'm not averse to wiping my arse on kitchen roll persè, but I draw the line at squares of baking paper.

The only shops open are those run by non-christians or non-believers. Otherwise, as on Easter Sunday, all those you describe are shut and always have been.
But hats off to all those working today in whatever sector they are in. Thank you!!

One way of recycling wrapping paper 😬. Happy Christmas

The police, nurses, security staff, doctors, ambulance all still work Christmas day, some people may need petrol or something from a shop.

This blanket "isn't it great all shops are shut" doesn't factor in those people who are working Christmas day.

i am sure those who are working, and that has included me in the past, were organised in advance

And hospitality staff

They're not all shut where I live

I worked Christmas Day through my 20s and really enjoyed it. One of the best days of the year to work, a really light day and everyone in a good mood.

What difference does it make to you whether they're open or not? If shops feel like they can make money by opening why shouldn't they. Some of the smaller shops here are open, family run and don't really celebrate Christmas.

None of the big chains are open.

But you assume people will be, what if they didn't finish until 10pm last night, then back in at 6am and didn't have a chance to get petrol on their way home.

I ran out of toothpaste on Christmas Day one year (I was completely disorganised) thank God for the little convenience store that was open. Or there was the time my mum dropped the cream, off I went to the garage to buy some.

If people are willing to work Christmas day in a shop or garage then let them. Who are we to say they can't? Maybe they'd rather work than sit at home alone. Not everyone has family or friends they can go to on Christmas day.

it is good for the staff so they dont have to work!
Next sale doesnt even start on Boxing Day this year

give people a break

we are short of wine but if dd wants it she can buy the over priced cornershop wine

The Asda garage near me is open! Spar shops often are too (not got one near me).

I don't think I'd find a shop open today within an hours drive.

There's a couple of shops open where I live, apparently. As Asda (express type) and a local corner shop. Both approx 15 miles away. We're quite rural.

Our local shop is open .non Christmas
Family, very nice people. Have been before now for emergency lemonade! I always try to make sure we are well stocked up though

The asda garage down the road is open 9 -5 today.

I agree with you. Good shops are closed. As a child all close Christmas eve half day. Sunday and poss boxing day

There a shop near me which will be open. The owners are from a non-Christian culture but are happy to be there for small Christmas emergencies. I think they would say it is a community service, they are helpful and friendly.

I don't recall those 'regular' shops being open at all. Some corner shops do open (and some restaurants, hotels etc)but surely if you've miscalculated then paying a bit more for the 'convenience' of a shop open on Christmas is the price you pay.
There are many many people other than the medical/emergency/hospitality workers usually sited working today - how do you think our ovens turn on? Without utilities this would be a miserable day!

I try not to shop on Christmas Day but I always feel comforted that the Costcutter is open (Hindu family running it). It’s all good and well to plan ahead but things like Calpol etc are sometimes needed on short order.

Last night I had to drive to the airport and back to help a stranded friend, I was the one in the shop at 9pm buying basics for her and very grateful they were open.

My local corner shops are all open Christmas Day and the Shell garage and is shop is 24 hours.

I really don't have any strong feelings either way but there are plenty people who are happy to work Christmas. In fact there are plenty who probably offer to work to actively avoid their families. Not everyone has a nice family, or any family.

Our little shop is open but they don’t celebrate Christmas and I’m sure they’ll make a lot of money with emergency purchases today.

Good shops?! What about shops run by non-Christian families, why can’t they make a bit of extra money on Christmas Day? Ours are really jolly today.

I love it when it all shuts up for Christmas.

I'll never forget when next we're starting their January Sale at 5am on Boxing Day - it was so gross to me.

There are a few forgotten bits I'd love to have but much happier to do without and everyone have a break and make do.

Merry Christmas everyone