Thanksgiving, an annual harvest feast is a national holiday that centers on expressing gratitude for our blessings, feasting and family reunion. This time of the year, going home tops the list of priorities. To most Americans, it is a special celebration–a way to appreciate the finer things in life with friends and family. Travelling and preparing a traditional meal are two important activities undertaken during Thanksgiving. That said, both incur costs, here is peek at the expenses associated with each.

Top 3 Activities of Thanksgiving

67% prefer spending time with family and friends

56% love to indulge in fine dining

44% plan to shop during the holiday in view to Black Friday

Thanksgiving Dinner

As per American Farm Bureau Federation’s survey for the current year

Average cost of traditional meal for 10 people is to be $49.04 (44 cents less from previous year)

Average cost of a traditional meal in 2012 was $49.48 (10 people)

Average cost of a traditional meal in 2011 was $49.20 (10 people)

What’s New this Year?

The holiday’s key attraction, turkey, will cost around $1.36 per pound (47 cents less from last year)

95% Americans eat turkey at Thanksgiving

Traditional Turkey Dinner Break up

16-pound Turkey                                             – $21.76

Rolls (12)                                                              – $2.18

Green peas, 1 lb.                                              – $1.54

Cubed stuffing, 14 oz.                                    – $2.67

Cranberries, 12 oz.                                         – $2.42

Pie shells (2)                                                       – $2.49

Sweet potatoes, 3 lbs.                                   – $3.36

Pumpkin pie mix, 30-oz.                                – $3.10

Whole milk, 1-gallon                                       – $3.66

1-pound relish tray (carrots and celery) – $.81

Whipping cream, ½ pint                                – $1.85

Misc. ingredients                                             – $3.20 

Total Cost – $49.04

Per person cost amounts to $4.90

Turkey Trivia

v  About 280 million turkeys are sold for Thanksgiving celebrations

v  In the USA, Californians are the largest consumers of turkey

v  The average American consumes every year between 16-18 pounds of turkey

v  A 15-pound turkey contains about 70% white meant and 30% dark meat

v  Turkey has more protein in comparison to chicken and beef

v  5 recommended ways to serve leftover turkey is in form of sandwich, burger, casseroles, stew and chili or soup

Thanksgiving Travel

According to American Automobile Association (AAA) 43.4 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year

Average distance traveled to increase to 601 miles during the Thanksgiving weekend (increase by 2.2% from last year)

Mode of Transportation

90% travelers will take the road this Thanksgiving holiday

38.9 million people will travel by automobile

3.14 million plan to travel by air

1.4 million would opt for other means of transportation (rail, bus and cruise ship)

Cost Effective Options

Average cost for gas to be less than $3.00 per gallon

Average lowest rate for a round-trip is $187 (top 40 US air routes)

What’s New this Year?

Median spending to be down by 6.6% i.e. $465 (compare to $498 in 2012)

Travel Facts

v  As compared to other holidays, Thanksgiving is a less expensive holiday for travelers

v  Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving will be busiest travel day