WASHINGTON, DC—With Thanksgiving around the corner, an AARP survey found the refrain in the holiday song “over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go,” may be a bit outdated. AARP released today online survey results of people 50-plus and their opinions on the American Thanksgiving tradition.

When it comes to who should host Thanksgiving dinner, those 50 and older with married children say they are open to letting their child’s family host dinner. 

• 74% of those 50 and older say they would welcome a daughter-in-law or son-in-law taking over Thanksgiving meal hosting duties. *
• 6% say their in-law has already taken over.

What shows up on the Thanksgiving table tends to be pretty traditional fare according to most people 50 and older.

• 76% of those 50-plus say their meal is a traditional American Thanksgiving.  +
• 21% of those 50-plus say their meal is a mixture of traditional and their heritage.

Shop on Thanksgiving?

AARP also asked in a poll, whether Turkey Day should also be a shopping day. Of those surveyed, 82 percent said people should not go out shopping on Thanksgiving Day.+  For those 50 and older who plan to catch the seasonal Thanksgiving sales, they are mixed on which holiday promotions they will take advantage of. 

• 17% of those 50-plus say they plan to shop on Black Friday. *
• 16% of those 50-plus say they plan to shop on Small Business Saturday.
• 19% of those 50-plus say they plan to shop on Cyber Monday.
• 59% of those 50-plus chose none of the above.

The survey is part of an ongoing polling series to highlight how Americans 50 and older feel about interesting cultural topics and other issues that affect their everyday lives.

AARP will continue to share the opinions of Americans 50 and older on the issues of the day through the end of the year. Follow @AARPMedia on Twitter.

* Survey date November 13 – 14, 2015
+ Survey date October 30 – November 2, 2015      

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.​

CONTACT:
Monique O'Grady, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia