THANKSGIVING celebrations are looking different this year for millions of Americans, a majority of whom will see their family members in person for the first time in five months.
A recent survey of 2,000 people found that 63 percent of respondents are planning to see their extended family for the first time since states began to ease their coronavirus restrictions.
The average American hasn’t seen their loved ones since the summer, according to the poll by Motel 6 and OnePoll.
But 59 percent plan to see their family virtually for turkey day.
Given the CDC’s warning to avoid traveling for Thanksgiving, a trip home for the holidays will be a lot more difficult and stressful for those going against the government’s advice.
Two-thirds of respondents believe that Thanksgiving travel will be harder than in years past, and 36 percent are “very concerned” about travel restrictions changing their plans.
Despite the commuting headaches, 81 percent said they’re willing to endure the stress for a chance to see their families.
As a result of the unpredictable travel situation, three-quarters of those surveyed said they’d rather drive than fly to visit family this year compared to years previous.
Although Americans are eager to see their families, they still want their space: 61 percent said they’d enjoy the quality time more if everyone wasn’t sleeping under the same roof.
Many are worried about spreading the virus as families figure out how to best manage visits during what’s expected to be a brutal second wave of the US outbreak.
Others are also taking into consideration the amount of household space – 44 percent said their family abodes may not have the room to host.
More than a third of people surveyed said they’ll stay a hotel or motel for the holiday season, with 43 percent saying that it’s easier to remain socially distanced when staying apart from their family.
But aside from the health benefits, 45 percent of respondents said keeping space meant less personal questions.
Close to half of Americans surveyed said another benefit of staying distant is the ability to create new traditions with their partner or their kids.