Here’s What Your Thanksgiving Dinner Will Cost in North Carolina

If you are like me, you might be rushing around to get the ingredients for the biggest family meal of the year.  Here's what your Thanksgiving dinner will cost in North Carolina.  The good news is, despite the rise in grocery prices over the past year, the actual Thanksgiving meal may cost a little bit less than last year in North Carolina.

As Thanksgiving is just next week, families are keeping a close eye on their budgets.  We still want to have the table full of everyone's favorite dishes.  Here's the good news.  Turkey prices have actually dropped a little. According to Fox 8,  Turkey prices have dropped to around $1.27 to $1.69 per pound depending on brand.  That is a significant drop from last year at a 22 percent price reduction.

The Farm Bureau worked deligently to conduct their annual Thanksgiving dinner cost. The volunteer shoppers conducted their search in early November so there is a chance prices could be even lower as Thanksgiving approaches.  In addition to looking for the best turkey prices they checked out the price of sides. They reviewed 11 classic Thanksgiving items and compared prices. See if this menu covers it: "pumpkin pie mix, a gallon of whole milk, a veggie tray with carrots and celery, 12 rolls, two pie shells, green peas, fresh cranberries, whipping cream, sweet potatoes, cubed stuffing, and miscellaneous ingredients needed to prepare a meal". That is the exact list published by our source Fox 8 and looks like it covered everything.

Pumpkin pie mix went up while the price of milk came down.  The veggie tray and rolls both went up by about ten cents. Pie shells and green beans came down a bit. Cranberries and whipped cream prices significantly dropped.  All in all with each food item added in, you will pay less for your meal.

The price of the Thanksgiving meal depends on where you live as well.  Here in the south, you will pay around $59.10.  The most expensive Thanksgiving meal is in the Northeast.  Their meal will cost around $64.38.  Here's what your Thanksgiving dinner will cost in North Carolina.

Now's the time to get into those late-fall activities and gear up for the holiday season. While the peak time for apple and pumpkin picking has passed, there are still enjoyable fall activities during the final month of fall. Additionally, the earlier onset of darkness in November provides extra motivation to include a few fall activities in your schedule before winter arrives and holiday preparations take over.

Every year, Christmas decorations start appearing almost immediately after Halloween ends, especially in stores where Christmas becomes the primary focus. Thanksgiving tends to receive less attention. But Thanksgiving deserves recognition in its own right. A Thanksgiving dinner isn't just about providing a satisfying meal, but also a warm heart. It doesn't require gifts or candy to celebrate this day, either. Thanksgiving is all about the food, family, and traditions, which some people may sometimes overlook. Additionally, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and the National Dog Show are more reasons to appreciate Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving might have a complicated history, but for many, it's a time to slow down and focus on family. With schools, offices and most stores closed, it's a chance to hit the pause button on life, reflect on what you're thankful for, and indulge in some delicious home-cooked food and a dessert spread that's hard to beat. Alternatively, you might opt for ordering takeout or delivery. Regardless of the menu, the quality time spent with loved ones is what truly counts. There are numerous ways to enjoy this time with your family during Thanksgiving break.

Consider some Thanksgiving activities that offer creative opportunities, such as crafting turkey-themed arts and crafts. These options include making playdough turkeys, pinecone turkeys, or cardboard turkeys with your family. You can also explore gratitude-related activities for families, such as creating gratitude rocks or crafting thankful turkeys.

Here are some fun activities to consider in the lead-up to Thanksgiving.

Look around for a Thanksgiving race happening near you. Round up your friends or family members and join a seasonal run. Some of these races are pretty laid-back, while others are more intense for those serious runners. Either way, it would make for a great activity ahead of Thanksgiving.

Nothing gets you in the Thanksgiving mood like re-watching the best Thanksgiving episodes from your favorite TV shows. You can even make it a family affair by having each family member pick 2 or 3 themed episodes from their favorite shows for everyone to binge-watch. You have a variety of TV shows to pick from, such as Friends, specifically "The One with All the Thanksgivings" (Season 5, Episode 8), This Is Us with the episode "Pilgrim Rick" (Season 1, Episode 8), or Gilmore Girls featuring "A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving" (Season 3, Episode 9).

Whether you're trying to use up all those apples you picked last month, perfect a pie recipe before the holidays, or simply want an excuse to devour something sweet with friends, a pie swap is a great way to gather in November. You could even make it a virtual baking event or deliver your pastry creations to your friends' doorsteps.

Not everyone can make it home for Thanksgiving, and even if they can, consider hosting a potluck feast with your closest friends. Ask everyone to whip up or bring their favorite Thanksgiving dish. You can even add a unique theme to your celebration for extra fun.

Get your creative juices flowing by making crafts that express what you're thankful for. Try something like creating a Thankful Turkey or a Turkey on the Table. It's an activity that encourages the whole family to share their gratitude and make it a daily thing. Get your family to jot down what they're thankful for on little paper feathers throughout November. These feathers can be added to a turkey centerpiece made from construction paper. Then on Thanksgiving day, take the time to read each one with your family.

Chat it out with your family and decide which organization or foundation you want to support, then kick off a collection. Making your annual donation a Thanksgiving tradition is a cool way to show your gratitude. Volunteering together anytime in the year teaches your family to think beyond themselves, give back, and appreciate what they have.