Thanksgiving on a Budget—Don’t Let the Economy Get You Down!

Susan Wagner

Each year at Thanksgiving, I talk with my sons about what they are thankful for. I try to steer them away from material things (because of course, at six and eight, their lists always start with their toys) and encourage them to think about bigger things, like how we’re fortunate to live close to their grandparents, and how lucky they are to have such great teachers and friends. This year, though, it’s hard not to think about the material parts of our lives; the economy is bad and we’re all extra conscious of how we’re spending every dime. Thanksgiving should be a break from the worry, though, a day to be with people we love and be grateful for what we have. But if you’re trying to prepare dinner on a budget, that can be tough.

There are some simple ways to make your Thanksgiving dinner festive and budget-friendly. Here are three strategies that I’ll be using this year.

1. Buy a Butterball! The turkey is the centerpiece of this meal—you want it to be the best you can possibly buy. Spend your money on a really good turkey, one that will be juicy and delicious when you bring it to the table. Butterball turkeys also come with cooking instructions, and with a handy turkey lifter, both of which make preparation that much simpler, and leave you free to enjoy the day with your family. Above all, turkey is the meal that keeps on giving. If you buy a large enough turkey, your family can enjoy leftovers for days to come. Check out Butterball.com for leftover tips and recipe ideas.
2. Serve homemade side dishes. It’s less expensive to buy potatoes and mash (or roast or bake) your own than to buy pre-made. Traditional Thanksgiving sides are typically simple to make, and the work can often be divided up. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; my sons like to help tear up bread for stuffing, for example, and they love to “smash” the potatoes. And of course you get the added benefit of having company in the kitchen while you cook, which is always fun.
3. Host a potluck supper. Ask each guest to bring something, either a side dish or a dessert or a beverage. This saves you money and time, and creates a sense of community when you sit down to the table. My husband’s family does this every year, and one of my favorite parts of the meal is discussing who made what and how it was made.

Thanksgiving dinner should be a time to reflect on what we have, not worry about how we’ll pay for it.