The scramble by sharp-elbowed online shoppers to secure the prized grocery delivery slots close to Christmas Day has begun in earnest even in mid-November, with well-organised consumers snapping up those slots already released by Ocado and Waitrose.com.

Nobody wants their sprouts looking past their best, so the optimum day for delivery of perishable fresh foods and groceries is thought by many to be the day before Christmas Eve – this year Monday 23 December(Food Display). Slots on other days close to Christmas are also being snapped up.

Rivals Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's will not be releasing their slots until later in the month, while Ocado – a favourite of the middle classes – has given its regular customers the first opportunity to book a delivery. But it has come under fire for its "Scrooge-like" decision to charge a premium delivery charge of £9.99 for the seasonal slots.(Food Display) Even holders of its "Smart Pass" deal for regular shoppers, involving supposed "unlimited delivery" for a flat fee, will have to pay the premium charge. It also it cheekily demands a £80 minimum order for the crucial shopping days before Christmas.(Photo Frame)

However, shoppers who go online only to find most slots taken, and fear they may have missed the boat, shouldn't despair. Ocado has promised to release more slots,(Photo Frame) although you will need to watch the website like a hawk.

Meanwhile, at Waitrose.com, where delivery is free but with a minimum order of £50, slots have also been snapped up.(Shoe Display)

A spokeswoman for Waitrose said: "Delivery slots on Waitrose.com are almost entirely booked up on Christmas Eve and we expect 23 December– our busiest day for deliveries – to be filled shortly."(Case & Holder)