The big Christmas shop is a vital part of preparing for the festivities, as leaving it to the last minute may result in a pretty unconventional Christmas dinner as shops across Ireland close.
Some may dread the big shop while others get into the spirit of things collecting tasty treats to be enjoyed throughout the holiday.
However, one critical thing to all Christmas dinners is value for money as supermarkets go head to head to provide the best festive deals to capitalise on what is undoubtedly the busiest time of year.
Although there is no need to shop around this year as we have done it for you, comparing the prices of your top dinner essentials to ensure you get the most out of your money this Christmas.
We compared prices from Tesco, Dunnes, Lidl and Aldi to see who comes out on top.
Turkey
A turkey is the crown jewel of any Christmas dinner as it is usually only enjoyed by most families once a year.
A true sense of occasion fills the atmosphere as the turkey is carved and the wishbone broken.
Tesco offers a Grove Farm Air Frozen 5kg turkey for €16.50, while Dunnes offers a fresh free-range 5kg turkey for €40, with Lidl and Aldi offering 5kg turkeys for €17.99.
Verdict: Aldi and Lidl
Roast ham
A roast ham is another essential that can’t be done without to create the perfect traditional Christmas dinner.
Whether you like it smokes, unsmoked or drenched in Coca Cola there are a variety of hams on offer.
In Tesco you can get a 3kg unsmoked ham for €13, the same size in Dunnes will cost about €15, while in Aldi it will cost you €10.99.
Verdict: Aldi
Roast potatoes
Potatoes are a fundamental part of any dinner, let alone on Christmas.
A 7.5kg bag is sure to keep you going for at least Christmas day as you cook a variety of different style spuds.
The big bag of potatoes will set you back €5.99 in Tesco, Dunnes, Lidl and Aldi.
Verdict: Draw
Carrots
It's important to get some veggies in on Christmas day as many of us will be stuffing ourselves with sweet treats.
A 1kg bag of carrots will cost you €0.49 in Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and Dunnes.
Verdict: Draw
Brussels sprouts
Love them or hate them, brussels sprouts say Christmas. Rarely seen any other time of year, brussels sprouts are a must-have every Christmas.
But where can you get the best value for the tiny green cabbages? Let's find out.
A 500g bag of sprouts will cost you €0.49 in Tesco, Aldi, Dunnes and Lidl as all supermarkets have knocked their prices down to compete in a sprout off.
Verdict: Draw
Gravy
Gravy ties the whole Christmas dinner together, leaving plenty of space for forgiveness for an overcooked or dry turkey.
Plenty of jugs of the delicious sauce will surely be had this Christmas.
You can pick up a 170g tub o Bisto for €1.75 in Tesco, €1.25 in Lidl or just €1 in Dunnes. You can also opt for Quixo in Aldi for just €0.79.
Verdict: Dunnes
