India, Dec. 25 -- Christmas is officially here, and Christmas Eve celebrations are about to begin. Before getting swept up in the festivities, it's wise to check your pantry and essentials-especially if you're hosting guests. Most supermarkets close early on Christmas Eve and remain shut on Christmas Day.

If you're yet to stock up on supplies, you need to rush as most supermarkets will close early today, i.e. Christmas Eve. If you're planning to go to Walmart, make sure to arrive by 6 p.m. today, as the stores will shut after that. But the hours are not consistent across states, and some stores may close earlier than 6 p.m.

Thus, it is advisable not to leave your Christmas shopping till the last minute. In fact, it could be wiser to rea...