It won't be long until you're wrapping presents and storing them under the tree come Christmas morning. Until then, you can prepare for the occasion by writing your shopping list and stocking up on the best Christmas food for families.
Whether it's buying nibbles to store in the back of your cupboard or a frozen turkey for your freezer, you can start your Christmas food shop today.
When is the best time to start preparing for Christmas?
There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to preparing for the most magical day of the year. According to The Bank Of England, the typical household spends over £700 more in December.
Instead of splashing out all the cash on toys, matching family Christmas pyjamas or food, you can spread the cost over several months to make your money go further. That's why most families will save up across the year and start buying essentials as early as September.
For more budgeting ideas, check out our guide to 16 genius tips to help you save money this Christmas.
Can I pre-order Christmas dinner essentials?
If your freezer is already full to the brink with Ella's Kitchen meals and lunchtime prep, then you'll probably struggle to fit all your Christmas food in it, right? But, with many supermarkets allowing you to choose what's on the menu ahead of time, this shouldn't be a problem. Simply pre-order your food now, and you can pick it up in-store closer to 25 December.
Best beef pie
M&SBrace yourself for a pie so luxurious, it’s practically royalty on a plate! Say hello to the Collection Wagyu Beef Pie from M&S, where hearty comfort food meets pure indulgence. Whether it's a cozy night in or a special treat, this pie is the ultimate way to say, "Yes, I deserve this. Made with melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, every bite is packed with rich, tender flavor that’s the very definition of indulgence.
Best turkey for larger families
M&SPicture this: a slow-cooked turkey so tender it practically melts off the bone, infused with rich, savory flavors that make every bite a little taste of holiday magic. Enter M&S's Our Best Ever Slow-Cooked Turkey, the ultimate showstopper for your festive feast. Skip the stress! This turkey is expertly prepared and slow-cooked to perfection, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your mulled wine. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or impressing friends, this turkey lets you shine without breaking a sweat.
Best roast
M&Schristmasfood.marksandspencer.com
Looking to level up your festive feast? Say hello to the Collection British Easy-Carve Stuffed Three Game Roast from M&S, a culinary masterpiece that’s big on flavour and even bigger on wow factor. Filled with a mouthwatering pork, apple, and cranberry stuffing, it’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet. This roast isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration. Perfect for those who want their holiday table to be as unforgettable as the feast on it.
Best Christmas dinner in a box
Sainsburys food-to-order.sainsburys.co.uk
Christmas just got so much easier—and just as delicious, with Sainsbury’s Christmas Dinner in a Box! Imagine a full-on festive feast with all the trimmings, beautifully prepped and ready to shine, so you can skip the stress and dive straight into the merry-making. From a succulent centerpiece (hello, perfectly cooked turkey or roast!) to crispy roasties, stuffing, and even dessert, it’s all wrapped up in one handy package. Whether you’re hosting the family or keeping it cozy, this box is your one-way ticket to a deliciously stress-free holiday.
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