Opens in a new tab

The annual gathering of tax dependents, otherwise known as Thanksgiving dinner

November 22, 2012

How's your Thanksgiving Day going so far?

If you're like most of America, you've got a big crowd at your place or you're one of the crowd at some other relative's or friend's house.

Thanksgiving dinner photo by surlygirl via Flickr Creative Commons

Thanksgiving meal photo by surlygirl via Flickr Creative Commons

About nine-in-ten adults, officially 89 percent, said they have their Thanksgiving meal with members of their family, according to a Pew Research Center conducted in 2010.

Although Pew asked the Turkey Day traditions question a couple of years ago, other anecdotal reports and my own observations indicate that the massive family Thanksgiving meal (attendees in addition to a whole lot of different dishes) trend is continuing this year.

And these aren't small family gatherings like the one going on at our house today with just the hubby, my mom, her yappy (but sweet) little dog and me.

We're talking huge family gatherings.

Sixty-two percent of those surveyed by Pew said that 10 or more relatives would be at their Thanksgiving meal. 

And more than a quarter, 27 percent, reported their house would be packed with 20 or more hungry relatives.

Yikes! I'm having flashbacks to Christmas at my grandparents!

But back to this November holiday. Overall, the typical host would be setting Thanksgiving dinner places for 12 family members.

Whatever the size of your Thanksgiving get-together, here's wishing the best for you and yours, along with a special wish that you have a refrigerator large enough to hold all those leftovers!

Family taxes: At least a few of the folks sitting around your dinner table today are probably your dependents, or vice versa.

Since this is a tax blog and you are here expecting a few tasty tax tidbits this Thanksgiving, here are some links to previous posts on tax dependent situations.

Thanks for your indulgence on my blogging highlights today.

I know I coulda/shoulda put together a totally new post, but I've a small turkey to roast and my grandmother's dressing to make, not to mention supervise the hubby as he puts final touches on his annual pumpkin pie!

Happy Turkey Day to all. And remember, you can always exercise tomorrow!

You also might find these prior Turkey Day posts of interest:

Share:

The More Tax Posts tab at the top of this page will take you to, well, more tax posts. You also can search below for a tax topic. 

Latest Posts
confused office worker
8 workplace benefits questions to ask this enrollment season

October 26, 2026

Millions of U.S. workers are now deciding what workplace benefits, some of which also offer…

Read More
TAX-SAVVY WAYS 
TO WRAP UP 2026

It’s over! With October’s extended filing deadline behind us, it is now time to focus on year-end moves to reduce your 2026 tax bill. 

You’ll find ways to do just that on the Tax Tips page (see the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of the blog), as well as the separate tax tip pages for each month, notably October through December. If you’re on the Tax Tips page, you’ll find a monthly list at the end of this column. If you’re on another blog page, you can head straight to the October tips; at the bottom of that tips page you’ll find links to all the other 11 months’ collections of tax advice.

Not to spoil what you’ll find in that tax advice, but it does cover such things as tax deductions for charitable donations, investment moves that could reduce tax due, and ways to max out your tax-favored retirement savings. 

Finally, as the year winds down, things get hectic. There are lots of other things to occupy our time, like the much more fun upcoming holidays. But don’t lose sight of taxes, since timing is key. To be of use, most tax moves must be made by the end of the tax year. That’s Thursday, Dec. 31, which also is the last business day of the year. 

So that you don’t miss that final tax year deadline, also keep an eye on the countdown clock below. It will keep you on top of just how much time is left to make important, tax-saving moves. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)

Comments
Leave the first comment