Christmas is almost here, and if you need to run out to grab a last-minute ingredient for your gathering, you'll have some options in Salinas.

If you need more eggnog or ingredients for another batch of Christmas cookies, watch the clock today. Why it matters: Most grocery stores close earlier than usual for Christmas Eve and many will stay closed on Christmas Day.

Despite trying to be prepared and holiday shopping early, the question of what's open and what's closed during Christmas inevitably always comes up. From needing last-minute gifts to home-cooked meals gone awry,