Thanksgiving By The Numbers: 2023 Edition
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means? It's time to break out the turkey, the stuffing, and… the calculator? Yep, that's right, because Thanksgiving is also a holiday of numbers. From the millions of turkeys gobbled up to the billions of dollars spent, this year's Thanksgiving feast is shaping up to be a doozy.
The Turkey Trot:
Let's start with the star of the show: the turkey. A whopping 46 million turkeys are expected to be consumed on Thanksgiving Day, according to the National Turkey Federation. That's a lot of bird, folks! And it's no surprise, since the average American will eat about 3 pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving.
But the turkey isn't the only thing on the table that's adding up. Cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are all playing their part in the Thanksgiving feast, and they're adding up to a hefty grocery bill.
A Feast for the Wallet:
According to a recent survey, Americans are expected to spend an average of $75.24 per person on Thanksgiving dinner. That's a $633 million increase from last year, so get ready for a little sticker shock at the checkout.
But the spending doesn't stop at the grocery store. Travel expenses are also on the rise with an estimated 54.3 million Americans expected to travel for the holiday.
Thanksgiving by the Numbers: A Breakdown
Here's a quick rundown of some of the other key numbers for Thanksgiving 2023:
- 20 million pounds of potatoes will be consumed on Thanksgiving Day.
- 70% of Americans will eat pumpkin pie.
- 40% of Thanksgiving meals will be eaten in someone else's home.
- 13% of Americans will watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
A Holiday of Togetherness
While these numbers are impressive, they only tell part of the story. Thanksgiving is more than just a day of eating. It's a time to gather with loved ones, share stories and laughter, and give thanks for the good things in our lives. And that, my friends, is a number that can't be measured.
So, as you're enjoying your Thanksgiving feast this year, take a moment to reflect on the joy and gratitude that this holiday brings. Because sometimes, the best numbers are the ones that can't be counted.