The last shop before Christmas

OMG, the last few years have been horrendous.  Over-crowded stores, too few checkout staff, products out of stock and people fighting over the last package of Aunt Bessie's Yorkshire Puddings.  One year, I swear we stood in the queue for 45 minutes before we could unload our cart.

Thank goodness for home delivery.  As soon as the slots became available for Christmas week, I booked it and threw a few of our usuals in the cart in order to hold the slot.  Just received a Christmas shop and only left with picking up a few perishables such as cream and custard.

I think this is one Christmas tradition that will continue for many years to come!

Thank goodness for home delivery.  As soon as the slots became available for Christmas week, I booked it and threw a few of our usuals in the cart in order to hold the slot.  Just received a Christmas shop and only left with picking up a few perishables such as cream and custard.

That's exactly what i did... as soon as Tesco announced when their final pre-Chrissy delivery date was, i booked it, and have just added things over the last 3 weeks...  delivery arrived at 11am today, and im happily sitting in a well-stocked house with a loaded fridge and larder!

I dont 'do' shops at Christmas-time.

Ugh. I'm DREADING this. I couldn't book a delivery 'cause I didn't know when I would get paid and I knew we'd be out of money this week, which we are.  Luckily dh works for Waitrose so he's decided he's going to go in early (he works nights) and put everything in a cart in the cooler and then check out as soon as the shop opens in the morning. Now if only I can somehow make sure he actually gets everything I've put on the list (one would think that would be simple, but men can be... different.  )

I'm almost positive I'll end up going out Friday or Saturday to get some bits and bobs. And it'll probably take a couple of hours just to do that! 

I just realized that I am going to have to go out tomorrow. UGH! I hate shopping even when there is not a holiday. 

We went out last night, but planned on going out tomorrow for things I wanted really fresh...is this going to be a problem at my local Morrison's? Am I too late? Maybe we will have to eat frozen pizza?!

I'd say no later than tomorrow, Geally. The fresh stuff will be gone on Xmas Eve...

No, I doubt you'll be eating frozen pizza, but be ready for crowds and queues, and have plenty of patience.

CRAP!!!!!  OK, might ring Rich to sneak out early, no way do I want to be in queues like that!

OMG, the last few years have been horrendous.  Over-crowded stores, too few checkout staff, products out of stock and people fighting over the last package of Aunt Bessie's Yorkshire Puddings.  One year, I swear we stood in the queue for 45 minutes before we could unload our cart.

Thank goodness for home delivery.  As soon as the slots became available for Christmas week, I booked it and threw a few of our usuals in the cart in order to hold the slot.  Just received a Christmas shop and only left with picking up a few perishables such as cream and custard.

I think this is one Christmas tradition that will continue for many years to come!

Me too!  I had my big delivery last Friday then all the things I forgot were delivered yesterday (ordered on Monday) and then I went out today to choose fresh produce, got home, realised I'd forgotten potatoes and had to go out again but the shops weren't very busy at all. I was expecting mile long queues but both Tesco and Sainsbury's were remarkably empty of people and  the shelves were well stocked.  OOh and I got the nicest looking oranges ever from the organic shop.

I just realized that I am going to have to go out tomorrow. UGH! I hate shopping even when there is not a holiday. 

Me too! For almost two years we went to our big Tesco to shop and it was so stressful. Since the summer I now have Tesco deliver all non perishables (do one big shop a month online) and then buy everything else at M&S in our Towne Centre...what a treat...I don't care that its a bit more expensive (its not much more considering not having to deal with pushing, hurrying, out of stock items and bad attitudes...totally worth it).  It has saved my sanity.  I swear one time in Tesco I was overcome with so much rage inside it scared me.....  

No more stress and I am loving it!    When we move back to the states I will really miss home delivery.

We are going to leave the girls with Granny and Granddad tomorrow while we attempt Tesco or Sainsburys.   I'm not looking forward to it-but we have to go as we are down to only two rolls of toilet paper! 

Okay, y'all are just scaring the carp out of me! Is it really that horrid? Am I destined to never venture into market again? Or, is it only because it's Christmas and the markets will be closed for a couple of days?

I've not found it any horrid but then I don't let it get to me ...I just bought the last gift last night for my MIL ...the gift I ordered through Amazon didn't arrive so I had to get a substitute one. I was at Woolies and Jess and I started singing "Look for the Bear necessities" and 2 others joined in   Then I went to the toy section and had a natter with some other ladies about the state of girl's toys and how trashy all the dolls have become (Super bling My Scene  WTF) Then we went to WH Smith and a another lady struck a conversation and she helped me pick out the perfect book for my MIL !!

Okay, y'all are just scaring the carp out of me! Is it really that horrid? Am I destined to never venture into market again? Or, is it only because it's Christmas and the markets will be closed for a couple of days?

Paula, you will probably be fine as you seem to go with the flow. 

Unfortunately I am very type A and also have no patience for the crowds of people, it just seems like mayhem to me where we live. I know that I am an exception...don't listen to me.  Luckily I solved me problem.....home delivery and fresh food pick up.

Paula, you will probably be fine as you seem to go with the flow. 

Unfortunately I am very type A and also have no patience for the crowds of people, it just seems like mayhem to me where we live. I know that I am an exception...don't listen to me.  Luckily I solved me problem.....home delivery and fresh food pick up.

Me too, Jules, I am like a rabid Pomeranian, when it comes to large crowds... Be forewarned as I enter the store, to stay out of my way, I am on a mission, and take no prisoners. I have walked away from bread, because I figure, that if I REALLLLLLY needed more, I can only bake it, I don't want to have to shove my way through with brute strength, but I will if I have to. LOL!

I just checked, my local Sainsburys opens at 7am tomorrow. The wee lad always wakes me at 6am, so I am good to go. I have not had to set an alarm clock for nearly 3 years.