Lots of downvotes for what is, inherently an unpopular opinion...

But here's the thing... Thanksgiving is largely a communal experience.

I'm going to say "generally" but I don't have the numbers to back it up, but GENERALLY Thanksgiving dinner has multiple contributors.

It's not one person over-spending to feed many, it's many people coming together to feed EVERYONE.

My family is, weirdly, doing a big dinner this year, not sure why? Fine, my wife and I are invited. I expect all told there will be 11, 12, 13 people? Something like that.

I'm taking 3 loaves bread, 2 banana breads, 1 pot of cranberry sauce, and a tray of sweet potatoes covered with a layer of toasted pecans. All home made.

Not sure what everyone else is bringing, but I have the carbs covered. Baking is super cheap, for the most part. A 5 pound bag of flour is 2,270 grams and runs $2 to $6 depending on brand.

The bread I make needs 480g, so a 5 pound bag will get me 4 loaves with some left over. The banana bread needs 200g too.

But, yeah, I did over-spend. I bought a special local flour which ran me $18 for five pounds.

So each loaf is $4.50. I already made 1 to make sure it was good before inflicting it on Thanksgiving. 😉 3 to go!