If you thought last year’s Thanksgiving hurt your wallet, buckle up, Lubbock…because 2025 is coming in hot with a price tag big enough to make you consider serving ramen and calling it “artisan stuffing.”
A new report from Chime says the average American will spend $952 on Thanksgiving this year. (!!!) Nearly a grand to eat mashed potatoes with people who still argue about Tech football at the dinner table.
But here in Lubbock, where families are big and the travel usually involves a long drive, that number might feel even more real.
Stephanie Frey
Stephanie FreyTravel Alone Is Draining West Texans’ Wallets
According to the data, we’ll spend around $293 on travel. That includes gas, plane tickets, and hotels.
Gas alone in Lubbock feels like a holiday tax. And if you’re flying out of Lubbock Preston Smith Airport? Well…Godspeed. One plane ticket can cost more than an entire Thanksgiving meal. If you’re bringing kids, luggage, or–heaven forbid–a fruitcake, go ahead and double that number.
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Plenty of Lubbock folks drive to Amarillo, Midland, Dallas, Austin, or all the way across the state because our families are spread out like tumbleweeds. And that adds up fast.
Multiple Thanksgivings = Multiple Grocery Bills
The report says the average person spends $175 on food, and that makes sense. Nobody in Lubbock does just one Thanksgiving anymore.
We’ve got the “official” family Thanksgiving, the in-laws’ Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, workplace potlucks, church meals, and the random Thanksgiving event at your aunt’s house where she insists “it’s not a big deal,” but then asks you to bring a whole smoked turkey. (Looking at YOU, Aunt Kathy.)
And with grocery prices doing whatever grocery prices are doing these days, even a simple meal costs more than a night at the movies.
Drinks, Decorations & “Random Stuff” Add Up Fast
The breakdown includes $110 on drinks–which makes sense. Whether you’re grabbing wine at Market Street, beer at Spec’s, or cocktails at Thanksgiving number four, it adds up.
Decorations? That’s another $83, because apparently we’ve all decided we need fall-themed tablecloths and ceramic pumpkins the size of toddlers.
And finally, the report says Americans will spend $291 on “miscellaneous” Thanksgiving stuff. In Lubbock, that’s code for:
Lubbock, Brace Yourself
Thanksgiving is supposed to be warm, cozy, and full of gratitude. But this year, it’s also full of receipts. Lots and lots of receipts.
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At least the leftovers are still free. For now.
We Visited ‘Tent Village’ at The Jones as Fans Gear Up for Saturday’s Game Against BYU!
Gallery Credit: Landon King
Where’s the best place in Lubbock to get a great taco?!?
Gallery Credit: Landon King