Students are eager to return home for Thanksgiving dinner, to enjoy “real food” rather than noodles and tasteless TV dinners. But what if the recession has ruined your Turkey Day? Here are some ways to keep your Thanksgiving cheap and tasty.
According to the American Farm Bureau’s 24th annual price survey, the average cost of a typical Thanksgiving dinner for ten people is $42.91, a $1.70 decline from 2008’s average of $44.61. This may sound cheap but this only contains the traditional foods like a turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, cranberries, vegetables, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and drinks that will cover ten people.
However, many dinner tables have more than ten family members, so a good tip can be to not to have the host cook everything. Divide the food list among family members. Aunt Sue brings the veggies and Uncle Frank brings the macaroni and cheese and the stuffing, while you make the turkey.
You can also have a fish fry or just eat a chicken rather than a turkey. Sure, it’s not the typical way, but it saves you an average of $10. When buying a turkey, you also need to buy seasonings and stuffing, and peanut oil if you choose to fry it, and for larger families, you may need two birds. Having a fish fry means more food and more money in the pocket. If you feel that you absolutely need a turkey, buy it now and freeze it. The closer you get to the holiday, the more expensive the turkey will be.
Buying fresh, in-season fruits and veggies can also help your budget. Try new dishes; you may discover a new family recipe. Some seasonal veggies and fruits include artichokes, broccoli, fennel, beets, bok choy, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, celery, chestnuts, squash, turnips, persimmon, rutabaga, pomegranate, orange, lemons, kumquats, kiwi, guava, and cranberries.
You can save more money by making your own decorations rather than buying them. People come to eat and enjoy each other’s company, and making decorations together creates memories, as well as good laughs if some decorations come out badly.
Another effort you can make is to not buy plastic or paper plates, cups, and cutlery. Washing the dishes may take a while, but not only is it better for the environment, the four or five dollars can go towards money for Black Friday.
When it comes down to it, Thanksgiving is more about being with family and the ones you love. So even if you have only $10 to spend, make some turkey sandwiches and play charades! It’s all about enjoying your break and your Turkey Day.