Comparing the costs of those convenient Thanksgiving dinners

Thanksgiving is just over a week away and many seem to be ditching the cooking for convenience.

Sue Horstman believes Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect. “You can thank god for all of the blessings that you’ve had in your life,” Horstman said.

She used to do a Thanksgiving celebration with up to 20 of her family members. “All of the years with the kids growing up and coming back from college and all through the years. It’s been great,” Horstman said.

Now, all of Sue’s kids live in another state so she celebrates with her friends. “If somebody I know is going to be alone, I always try to invite them to because I don’t want anybody to be alone,” she said.

This year, because of the pandemic, Horstman plans to only set a table for four. Instead, of fussing with her pots and pans, she put in an order for a premade meal from The Fresh Market.

“I don’t have to do any of the work,” Horstman said.

For $59, Sue gets a turkey breast dinner with three sides and trimmings for up to five people. Whole Foods offers a similarly-sized meal for ten dollars more at $69.99. Bob Evans’ six-person dinner is $59.99. Publix is the cheapest, they have a 12-pound turkey for $49.99 but skips some sides.

There are deadlines for some of these deals. The Fresh Market will be accepting orders until November 22. The deadline for Publix is November 23. Whole Foods deadline is Tuesday, November 24. As for Bob Evans, the deadline depends on the restaurant location.

Pickup days are Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day but it depends on where the meal is from.

Keep in mind that meals require reheating. That can take up two or three hours. Cracker Barrel, Boston Market and some local diners also offer Thanksgiving meals.