ROANOKE, Va. – Merry Christmas Eve to all who celebrate! As the holiday rush reaches its peak, grocery store workers are feeling the pressure from last-minute shoppers gathering last-minute ingredients for their holiday feasts.
Today, we visited a local grocery store to see how people are preparing for their Christmas celebrations. Christmas Eve at the store is always synonymous with crowds, whether it’s for forgotten ingredients or the final touch on family traditions. We spoke to several customers in the parking lot about their personal Christmas Eve traditions.
Adaline Hogan, a young shopper, shared her family’s festive spread: “At my nana’s, I usually eat these little hot dogs, and I also eat turkey sometimes. We have Hawaiian rolls, and we have burgers sometimes. We have a lot of other stuff.”
When asked about her favorite part of Christmas Eve dinner, Adaline didn’t hesitate: “For Christmas Eve dinner, probably saying grace and then opening presents.”
Christmas Eve traditions vary widely, making the holiday season even more special. For some, it’s all about the food, while for others, it’s about the time spent with family.
We asked shoppers what they were picking up at the store, and many mentioned classic holiday dishes that are part of their traditions.
Sharon Wilhelm, a customer stocking up for her holiday meal, said, “Sweet potatoes, I’m going to make a sweet potato casserole.”
As Christmas Eve progresses, many stores are preparing for an earlier close. “I heard Kroger is closing at 5 o’clock. Gotta beat that deadline. Everything has to be done, even the cooking part,” said one shopper.
For many, Christmas Eve shopping is about more than just food—it’s about continuing cherished family traditions.
Elma Trigg, another shopper, shared, “We do Christmas cookies, and that’s a tradition. I actually bring out my mixer one time a year. I’ve had it for over 20 years and just make Christmas cookies with the kids.”
This year, Christmas Eve feels especially meaningful for Elma, as it marks the first Christmas without her mother, who always brought the holiday spirit into their home.
Elma Trigg: “It’s bittersweet. I lost my mom on Christmas Eve last year. She loved Christmas so much—everything would be decorated, everything perfect. I really can’t ask for anything more than having my family here with me.”
While the aisles are packed now, soon families will be settling into their homes, surrounded by loved ones, good food, and lasting memories.
From all of us, we wish you a Merry Christmas Eve, filled with joy, warmth, and cherished moments with those you hold dear.