JACKSON, Miss. (CNN) – Many Americans are shelling out more money this year as they head to the store to prepare for this week’s Thanksgiving dinner.
And a lot of people are unhappy about the extra cost.
One mom in Mississippi said she’s making major changes this year.
“We’re gonna do spaghetti for Thanksgiving. It’s a lot easier,” mom Tori Paschale said. “You try to keep up with the tradition of Thanksgiving, but the way groceries are, unless you’re doing a potluck, if you put it just on one person, it breaks the bank.”
Last year, Paschale hosted seven people for a big Thanksgiving feast.
But this year, burned out by high grocery prices and with a baby due any day now, she’ll just be cooking for her husband and kids.
“Instead of spending close to $500, I figured I’m going to keep it simple,” she said.
When asked if she truly spent nearly $500 last year, Paschale doubled down, saying, “Yes, it was egregious. It hurt, to say the least, and then to turn around knowing that rent was due the next week.”
A few weeks ago, Paschale posted a TikTok venting about the cost and stress of Thanksgiving these days, and she was shocked to see it resonate with so many people.
“Me doing those beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, yam, lamb, ram ham… I’m not doing it. I ain’t got the funds,” she said in her viral video.
“My comment section was just like, ‘Sister, you’re telling the truth.’ You feel like you’re taking the holidays away from your kids or your family. But when you see you have thousands of other people agreeing, you’re just like OK, so it’s not me,” Paschale said.
While a traditional Thanksgiving dinner should actually be cheaper to make this year than it was last year because the prices of some foods have come down, it’s still on track to cost 19% more than before the pandemic.
Inflation data shows Americans are paying 22% more for groceries than they were in January 2021.
“How did we get to this point of really trying to figure out if I can afford to get a sack of potatoes and some chicken? It feels like the goal post keeps moving,” Paschale said.
Still, Paschale said even with a less-traditional Thanksgiving meal, she’s excited to spend the day with her husband and kids.
“I’m just happy that we get to experience it, even if it’s not, you know, the mashed potatoes and green bean casserole type of situation.”
She added, “I just want my family to know that I love them.”
The good news? The average price of a 16-pound turkey this year is $25.67. That’s down 6% from last year.
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