Christmas Countdown to-do-list
Christmas is a time for family and celebrations, but it can get a little stressful.
We have your back though: Follow this handy countdown to shopping and you’ll spend the day itself relaxing, rather than panicking about what has to be done next.
Start now!
Get started by shopping these as early as possible.
Biscuits: sweet and savoury
Butter: freezes well, so stock up!
Chocolates: the new ruby chocolate is likely to sell out quickly
Christmas cakes: these also freeze very well
Crackers
Drinks: start chilling them on Christmas Eve
Easy to Cook roasts, raw and ready-cooked: freeze and thaw the day before you need them
Edible gold stars and gold shimmer: use them to add a touch of glam to your food
Gammon: this is one of the hottest items in store, so definitely get it early and freeze. The ready-to-eat beechwood-smoked gammon is a Christmas showstopper, so likely to be very popular.
Glazes: We have many options, so pick your favourite
Ice cream: this is a no-brainer
Jelly powder (for the trifle)
Long-life custard and custard powder
Long-life gravy
Marzipan
Mince pies: freeze and heat in the oven whenever the craving strikes
Turkey: the big bird will be fine in the freezer. Thaw it two days before you need it.
One week before:
Get in there early for these items before the hordes do!
Dried stuffing: get more than you think – there’s never enough. Or make your own. See recipe below.
Chipolatas wrapped in bacon: freeze for breakfast on Boxing Day.
Madeira loaf cake: a trifle isn’t a trifle without this. You can also freeze it.
Duck fat: this keeps well in the fridge, so stock up to make sure you have the crispiest roast potatoes ever
Potatoes: you can’t be without roasties on the day!
4 days before:
Garlic
Butternut
Norwegian salmon with pastry lattice: another showstopper, it’ll look super-impressive on the big day. Find it in the freezer section.
3 days:
Tomatoes
Peppers
Avos: Gem avos are exclusive to Woolies, so will be in great demand. Don’t miss out.
Puddings: anything that has fresh ingredients, such as the new passion fruit lamington dessert, needs to be bought as late as possible. It’ll keep for 2 days, so make sure you get yours now!
2 days:
Salad leaves: wash these the day before you use them and keep in a colander wrapped in a damp tea towel. This will keep them fresh and crisp them up
Cucumber
Celery (for boiling the gammon)
Fruit (berries, pineapple, watermelon, stone fruit)
Asparagus
Pâtés
Green beans
Brussels sprouts
Broccoli
Cauliflower: make it yourself, or try the new cauliflower roast with creamy béchamel sauce and fresh herb sprinkle
Pop into woolies...
The day before:
Cream
Fresh custard and brandy custard: the brandy-laced version is only available now, so make sure you get yours!
Fresh gravy
Try our deliciously indulgent trifle recipe (one day to go get, going. why...)
All Woolies’ stores will have extended trading hours in the days leading up to Christmas, check with your local store. Some are even open on Christmas Day itself for those last-minute emergencies!
Check our Store Locator or the New Woolies App for store times