Thanksgiving is typically seen as a time for unity, yet it also highlights the divisions within the country. The menu, the guest list, and the mention of politics can often mirror larger ideological and cultural trends. Still, Thanksgiving aims to bridge these gaps and celebrate America’s unique journey that began long ago.
One interesting aspect is the food that Americans enjoy during this holiday and the ways in which it’s prepared.
Recently, many people have turned to takeout and dining in for their Thanksgiving meals. Research from Popmenu, a restaurant software firm, suggests there’s been a 42% increase in those opting for restaurant meals since 2024, primarily due to cost and the desire to spend more time with family without the stress of cooking.
The duration of time spent at the dinner table is also noteworthy. In a 2018 study, researchers examined smartphone location data and discovered that Thanksgiving dinners with a mix of political views were significantly shorter—averaging about 30 to 50 minutes less—than dinners among like-minded people. A similar analysis in 2020 showed the difference was about 24 minutes.
Furthermore, a 2025 YouGov survey indicated that 19% of Democrats anticipated political discussions during dinner, whereas only 9% of Republicans felt the same.
When it comes to the time spent on these meals, it’s a bit tricky to determine if Thanksgiving dinners are getting longer or shorter. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an analysis from 2003 to 2015 found that people usually spend around 128 minutes preparing and cleaning, 89 minutes eating and drinking, and 148 minutes socializing.
A whopping 94% of Americans plan to celebrate Thanksgiving, with 87% insisting that turkey is essential to their holiday traditions, and 74% intending to serve a whole bird.
Interestingly, recent research from turkey producer Jenny-O points to a growing acceptance of non-traditional Thanksgiving meals. They found that 55% of Americans are open to exploring recipes from various cultures, especially when it comes to side dishes.
Additionally, the approach to presidential turkey pardons has evolved as well. In the past, turkeys sometimes went unnamed and remained somewhat anonymous. Nowadays, it’s common to give them names, lending a more personal touch and reflecting improved care for these birds over time.
