Survey: 85% of Americans Plan to Gather for Thanksgiving, Up from 64% in 2020

Each year, millions of Americans gather together to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, and this year even more will see family and friends as the country continues to increase its vaccination rates. SingleCare conducted a survey of 1,000 U.S. respondents to see how Americans are planning to celebrate this holiday in the second year of the pandemic. According to the survey, 85% of Americans plan to gather for the Thanksgiving holiday this year, up from 64% in 2020. 

47% of Americans plan to adjust their Thanksgiving in light of COVID-19

Although millions have been vaccinated against COVID-19, many still plan to modify how they are gathering for the holiday, and who they are gathering with. In fact, 30% said they are worried about getting COVID-19 at Thanksgiving despite being vaccinated. Here are some of the ways Americans are responding to the second Thanksgiving of the pandemic:

  • 43% said they are only celebrating with their immediate family or “pod”

  • 31% said they have not invited family or friends who are unvaccinated 

  • 28% said they are celebrating a “Vaxgiving” where everyone who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine will be vaccinated 

  • 17% said they had their child vaccinated sooner for Thanksgiving 

  • 10% said they’ll wear masks inside 

  • 8% said they’ll do rapid COVID-19 testing 

Almost 70% experience acid reflux on Thanksgiving 

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. This unpleasant experience happens to almost 70% of respondents on Thanksgiving, and  29% said that they take an antacid ro help with their symptoms. Based on SingleCare data, the top 3 most commonly prescribed antacids by physicians are famotidine, omeprazole and pantoprazole sodium.

Lastly, as Thanksgiving can often be a source of stress, SingleCare wanted to know the top ways people alleviate anxiety: Number one on the list was relaxing with an adult beverage, according to 24% of respondents. 

Methodology: SingleCare conducted this Thanksgiving survey online through SurveyMonkey on Nov. 18, 2021. This survey includes 1,000 United States adults ages 18+. Age and gender were census-balanced to match the U.S. population in age, gender, and U.S. region.