Most In MI Plan Thanksgiving Within Own Household: Patch Survey

MICHIGAN — Most Michiganders plan to spend the Thanksgiving holiday celebrating within their own household only as coronavirus cases spike in the state and across the country and public health officials urge Americans to keep their gatherings small and refrain from traveling, according to a Patch survey.

The survey, which appeared this week in questionnaire form, is not meant to be a scientific poll but only give a broad idea of public sentiment.

And while the vast majority of the nearly 500 respondents said they planned to celebrate within their own household (64.3 percent) or plan on celebrating virtually (8.1 percent), some respondents (18.6 percent) still planned on celebrating with those outside their own household.

Some respondents also shared more details about why they were limiting their plans this year.

"One holiday is not worth the chance/risk," one person wrote. "Death is final, there is no changing it. There will be more holidays if we all just live through it. Wait for the vaccine, then go visit family and friends as much as you want. Until then - stay put!"

Another respondent said it would be the first time in 45 years they were not celebrating with extended family.

"We normally host 30+ people for Thanksgiving," the person wrote. "This year, it’s just us and our parents, who are in our “bubble.” This is the first time in 45 years we have not gotten together with extended family, but we understand why it can’t happen this year."

"Instead of gathering with my parents, 3 siblings and their families and going to visit my inlaws, we are all staying home and doing our own dinners with our households," wrote one respondent.

Some also said that they had canceled their travel plans.

"Adult children had planned on coming home but won't do so now," wrote one respondent. "Haven't seen them since last Christmas and will miss being with them."

"My family in Michigan has decided not to travel to Wisconsin to see immediate family," said another respondent.

A few respondents said they were not changing their plans.

"Not changing," said one person. "Unconstitutional!"

"Celebrating same as always," wrote another.

In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been urging residents to be safe around the holiday. Whitmer, along with state health officials, announced on Sunday a series of restrictions aiming at keeping people from causing immense spread of the coronavirus on Thanksgiving.

For the next three weeks, indoor residential gatherings are limited to two households at any one time, while the state is urging families to only interact with one other household over the next three weeks. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people.

Respondents to Patch's survey also overwhelmingly said they were concerned about how Thanksgiving will contribute to a rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. Respondents also agreed that those celebrating with people outside of their households should wear face masks.

See other results from the survey: