We all know that the obvious cost are for the food, but I’m finding that a lot of people travel far during Thanksgiving, and those people are the ones that incur the real costs.

flying

I’m fortunate in that the expense for gas as I drive on two separate days to both my of our parents isn’t really that bad.  I estimate that the cost runs close to $25.  For my sister it runs at least double that number.  She lives 2 hours from my parents and a good distance from her in-laws…

I don’t have the stats., but it would be interesting to see how much the cost of traveling is overtaking the cost of the food and preparation.  Just in my little example, it’s obvious that the expense of traveling can cost as much as the food itself.  Then again, perhaps Thanksgiving has always been about traveling far to meet family?  I’ve always lived close to my family, so while I still enjoy Thanksgiving, it’s really not a rare event since my sister and I meet our parents often.

I have to admit, it is fun watching football on TV, and having “The Christmas Story” play in the background as we all eat.  These are what I call soft traditions in our family.  They are soft because some years we do them, while other we don’t.

Here’s wish everybody in the US a Happy Thanksgiving!

MR