This Christmas, as most retailers take a snow day, shoppers will find a few festive havens like CVS and select McDonald's, proving that even Santa needs a coffee break.

In a holiday twist where most retailers like Target, Costco, and Kohl's have opted for a cozy Christmas nap, a handful of brave establishments will remain open. CVS pharmacies will welcome festive foot traffic, while the likes of Acme Markets and IHOP stand ready to serve those determined to dine. Meanwhile, select McDonald's and fast-food giants like Wendy's and Taco Bell are open for business, ensuring that for those needing last-minute gifts or a seasonal burger, Christmas cheer is just a drive-thru away.

On the flip side, the list of those contributing to the great Christmas closure of 2024 reads like a who's who of retail. Shoppers hoping to snag last-minute bargains at Walmart, Target, or Sam's Club will need to reorganize their holiday plans, as these heavyweights have decided to hang up their cash registers for the day. Kohl's, notorious for its constant sales and endless clearance racks, will also follow suit, effectively rendering the entire shopping district a veritable ghost town - the only sounds heard may be those of jingle bells in the wind.

While many retail giants are snoozing through Christmas, those in need of a pharmacy fix might still find some comfort in CVS. Reports indicate that pharmacies across the nation will exhibit a mixed bag of hours, with CVS choosing to experience the holiday spirit albeit with possibly reduced hours. This could be a silver lining for anyone in need of a last-minute cough syrup to combat the post-party sniffles, though there's no guarantee that their seasonal inventory will include the gingerbread-flavored lozenges everyone's been raving about.

Now, let's talk about food. Grocery chains like Aldi, Kroger, and Publix have taken a hard stance against Christmas retailing, as they will be closed on Christmas Day across the U.S. However, some grocery stores that are open include Giant Food (select stores) and Safeway (some locations), offering a comforting beacon for culinary confusion in the midst of a Christmas cooking crisis.

In the realm of fast food, those with a particular hankering for a Big Mac can find solace in many McDonald's locations, which will keep their doors open on Christmas Day. The truly adventurous might even stumble upon an IHOP, shamelessly dishing out pancakes while others indulge in their sugar-fueled hangover regrets. With hours likely to vary, it’s advisable to check online and avoid arriving at what can only be described as a culinary mirage.

Starbucks and Dunkin' are also in on this festive food frenzy, with a sprinkle of coffee joy on Christmas morning. For many, nothing suggests holiday spirit quite like a peppermint mocha or a warm cider-flavored beverage served at the drive-thru. But beware: if you happen to show up at Chick-fil-A or Outback Steakhouse expecting a hearty meal, you will be met with a closed sign and a cold reality. Their holiday closures ensure that even fast food has its boundaries, suggesting that some establishments prefer to let their employees enjoy the holiday with a firm sense of closure.

This peculiar tapestry of opened and closed establishments may prove helpful to those who find themselves striding through the streets, holiday spirit intact, but unacquainted with where business actually operates. Lost souls could end up stuck between a caffeine withdrawal and a longing for buttery pancakes. Thus, Santa's Shopping Guide emphasizes the necessity of planning ahead—after all, nobody wants to end up in a Christmas pickle while the rest of the nation is cozying up with their families.

As December 25 draws near, it’s clear that those lucky enough to have their holidays lined up with the whims of open restaurants will have some options to celebrate, complete with plates of fries and cups overflowing with holiday cheer. However, it's important to note that many stores, restaurants, and grocery chains will be closed on Christmas Day across the U.S. So, for those willing to brave the festive landscape in search of sustenance or last-minute holiday treasures, consider yourself Santa's most intrepid helpers this year. Just ensure you're not among those left with few options in the frozen food aisle at a closed grocery store, or you may find your Christmas spirit cooked—but not in the warm, festive meal sense you'd hoped.