November 14, 2026, 12:51 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Crowded supermarkets, long lines, and the very thing you need is missing: Shopping right before Christmas can quickly become a test of patience. To avoid the shopping stress, it’s wise to plan ahead. myHOMEBOOK highlights groceries you can stock up on for a more relaxed Christmas season.
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Better to Have Butter and Flour in Stock
Butter is an absolute kitchen staple and especially needed during Christmas. Whether for baking, cooking, frying, or spreading on a roll in the morning, this popular spread is used almost everywhere. If you prefer cooking or baking with oil, you should also plan to have a small supply of it to ensure you don’t run out over the holidays.
Where there’s butter, flour isn’t far behind. Especially during the Christmas season, it’s needed for numerous baking classics. If you’re already stocking up for the holidays, make sure you have enough flour at home.
Also interesting: Can butter be frozen for longer shelf life?
Canned Goods Make Work Easier
Especially right before the Christmas holidays, canned goods like red cabbage are quickly sold out. If you want to serve this classic vegetable at your holiday meal, it’s better to plan ahead. Other canned goods such as peas, carrots, lentils, or beans can also be handy during the holidays: They have a long shelf life and are quickly available if a side dish or ingredient is needed at the last minute. A small stock can save you a last-minute trip to the supermarket.
Stock of Sweets and Pastries
In addition to the main holiday meal, sweets and pastries are a must at Christmas. According to Statista, chocolate Santas, gingerbread, speculoos, and dominoes were particularly popular in 2025. But even beyond the Christmas classics, it’s worth having a small stock. Gummy bears, chocolate, or other treats are quickly brought out when guests arrive or children are at the table.
An Extra Pack of Pasta or Rice
In many households, potatoes are a staple of the Christmas menu, whether in potato salad, as a side dish, or made into dumplings. If you get tired of potatoes, you’ll be glad to find an extra pack of pasta or rice in your pantry. Both products provide variety on the plate between the holidays. Pasta and rice have a long shelf life, are versatile, and are often the preferred choice for children.
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Coffee and Alcoholic Beverages
Whether for an extended Christmas breakfast, after the holiday meal, or during a cozy afternoon gathering, coffee is in demand on many occasions during the holidays. If you’re expecting guests, it’s wise to have a bit more on hand. The same goes for alcoholic beverages if they are part of your holiday plans. Wine for dinner or champagne for toasting can be easily purchased in advance, saving you an extra trip to the store right before the holidays.
How to Make Christmas Shopping More Relaxed
In addition to stocking up, there are other tips to make Christmas shopping preparations more relaxed. Before shopping, it’s worth taking a look in the fridge, freezer, and pantry. This helps you better assess what is actually needed and which groceries are already sufficiently available.
Perishable foods, such as fresh fish, meat, or leafy greens, are best bought close to the planned meal. If you want to buy perishable foods early, check if they can be frozen.