Story Published:
Nov 21, 2008 at 8:34 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Nov 21, 2008 at 9:51 PM CDT
SPRINGFIELD -- We've heard that people across the country may be cutting back on their Thanksgiving dinners because of the tough economic times. So we wanted to see if that's true here in the Ozarks.
The stock market's doing poorly, and unemployment rates are climbing. At least gas prices are down. Saving money at the pump may let some spend more on groceries. At Harter House, they're planning on the normal crowd.
"We may see something different next week but, right now, the cranberries, celery, sweet potatoes, and turkey and prime rib is all selling at normal pace."
We asked folks if they're doing the normal Thanksgiving dinner or downsizing.
"I'm not really paying attention that much to what I'm spending."
Some say the tradition is too important, and cutting back is not an option.
"No!"
Doris Deidiker came about 200 miles to get her traditional Thanksgiving ham. Others, while not cutting back on the food on the table, are saving in other ways.
"I'm checking the ads and, whoever has the cheapest apples, grapes, cream cheese, sour cream, I'm going there. So I get some things here and some things, I will go elsewhere."
"I'll cut back on the coffees I drink during the week at work. I'll cut back here and there, not buy so much for me, but family's just too important to cut back on the traditions. Never, never."
Still others are forced to cut back.
"Gas prices have gone down but food prices are still going up, and he lost his job."
So they're cutting back but not cutting Thanksgiving out.
"We're making a smaller ham instead of a turkey, and I'm going to make some pies homemade instead of buy them."
Stores probably won't know until later next week how their Thanksgiving profits compare to normal.