Is the Cost of Groceries Affecting Your Thanksgiving Plans?

Many of us have noticed the increasing costs of groceries, especially when it comes to the staples we need to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Is it making you consider skipping a long-standing family tradition? Not necessarily, given the seasonal fluctuations and the variety of options available to us.

The Rising Cost of Groceries

Since 2021, we have seen a significant increase in grocery prices, often a direct result of global supply chain disruptions, inflation, and other economic factors. While these changes can be a nuisance, a single Thanksgiving meal is likely not a significant factor in your overall budget.

Take a look at the specifics: a typical Thanksgiving gathering might involve 15 people—my wife and I, two of my three sons, my third son who lives far away, 8 grandchildren, and my spinster sister. We usually enjoy a traditional roasted turkey, and a specialty one made by my middle son, which might be fried or smoked. This year, fresh turkey was on sale at a good price of 55 cents per pound, quite affordable for early October. Come November, expect it to drop to less than 40 cents per pound. That means you can get a 25-pound turkey for around $12, which will easily feed 15 people, with leftovers to last another week.

Homegrown and Home-Canned Staples

The majority of our Thanksgiving sides rely on items from our pantry. Home canned goods like corn, beans, peaches, and apples are stored in our basement. A garden-picked bounty of over two hundred pounds of potatoes adds to our meal. For the apple pies, we use crust, sugar, and seasonings; with a bushel and a half of apples, we have plenty from our apple tree, and local orchards offer free-for-picking apples. This flexibility ensures that regardless of market prices, we can create a delightful and affordable meal.

Yes, we still have to eat, and yes, free turkeys are available. However, I can’t stand turkey. This is the beauty of the Thanksgiving tradition—to gather friends and family together, at least once a year, to express gratitude for what we have. The meal itself is not the most critical aspect, but sharing this moment with loved ones is invaluable. Whether the menu includes turkey or a more unconventional dish like Spam on crackers, the spirit of the occasion remains the same.

The Core Meaning of Thanksgiving

With age comes a realization that every gathering counts. As older individuals, we want to cherish every moment. How many more Thanksgivings may we have? Not wasting any chances to be together with people we love is what makes this traditional meal so special. Whether you choose a turkey or any other dish, Thanksgiving is about coming together as a community, expressing gratitude, and strengthening bonds.

So, when faced with rising grocery costs, remember that the true essence of Thanksgiving lies in the company you keep, not the cost of the meal. Let's make the most of every gathering and every chance to spend time with those we cherish.