EVEN if the children are crying because you forgot to buy batteries for their new toys and the brussel sprouts are overcooked...relax!

Because even on Christmas Day you will still be able to pick up the essentials without travelling too far from home.

With many cornershops struggling to stay in business, some see the festive period as a chance to pick up some extra custom as all bigname supermarkets close on Christmas Day.

Jan and Phil’s convenience store in Barrack Street, Colchester, will be open 24 hours, as it is every day of the year.

Owner Phil Faraday described it as a “business decision” and admitted it is ten years since he enjoyed a Christmas at home.

“I do miss it in some ways. Business is business though and we provide a necessary service,” he added.

Mr Faraday and his wife Jan postpone their celebrations until the new year when it is “much more peaceful”.

Spar stores will also be open.

Charles Reade, owner of the Spar in Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, said that his shop is very busy on Christmas Day with customers coming in for “everything and anything”.

He said most of the customers arrive “in real dire straits” because their gas or electricity has run out and want top up vouchers.

Stores open on Christmas Day include: Jan and Phil’s, Barrack Street, Colchester, open 24 hours; Golden News, Maldon Road, Colchester, open noon to 2pm & 7pm to 9pm; Queen’s Supermarket, Queen’s Street, Brightlingsea, open 10am to 6pm; Spar, High Street, Colchester, open 9am to 7pm; Spar, Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, open 9am to 1pm; Spar, St Osyth, Clacton, open 10am to 1pm