Grocery stores packed ahead of Christmas dinner

Area grocery stores and markets were brimming with people looking to put the final touch on their Christmas dinner menu.

The Acme in Lower Merion was busy Wednesday afternoon.

Linda Jones has 20 people coming, including her children and grandchildren.

"Turkey, ham, candied sweets, pot roast and we're going to have macaroni and cheese - just the works," said Jones.

At a ShopRite in West Philadelphia, you would have thought a major snow storm was hours away. However it was just a blizzard of Christmas Eve shoppers.

"I have kale greens, collards, celery, potatoes and yams. This is just my last little bit of stuff I had to grab," said Alison Nelson.

For so many, the hours ahead are a very emotional and indeed sacred time and they have their traditions.

"I'm making some sweet potato pie and lasagna tonight. We're having a pot luck for Christmas Eve. My mother passed away on Christmas so this is our way of bringing in Christmas in her memory," said Gaynita Reynolds.

Many grocery stores plan to close early so shoppers are urged to get their last minute items while they can.