Most In WI Plan Thanksgiving Within Own Household: Patch Survey

WISCONSIN — Most Wisconsinites 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 last week in questionnaire form, is not meant to be a scientific polls but only give a broad idea of public sentiment.

And while the mast majority of the over 400 respondents said they planned to celebrate within their own household (66.3 percent) or plan on celebrating virtually (6 percent), some respondents (21.2 percent) still planned on celebrating with those outside their own household.

In Wisconsin, a new executive order issued by Gov. Tony Evers in November recommends that people stay home as much as possible except for making any necessary trips. The order also says people should avoid gatherings of any size between people who are not members of the same household to the extent possible. Evers' order limiting capacity indoors was struck down by an appeals court.

A mask mandate is also in place in Wisconsin that Evers has extended into 2021.

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

"Rather than having the entire family (about 20 people) over for a feast we have chosen not to celebrate together this year so that we may enjoy upcoming holidays ALL together!" one respondent said.

Another respondent recognized that foregoing spending time with the holidays is difficult.

"I know this is difficult, and many are unwilling to sacrifice for the betterment of society, but this HAS to be done - follow the general guidelines - was, at least 6 feet apart from others, and wash hands regularly," the reader wrote.

"I will dearly miss family from out of town," one person wrote.

Another respondent shared why they felt it was risky to gather with others.

"My family and each of my families households will have Thanksgiving in our own homes," the reader wrote. "How are we to know if each person is infected with the virus before the gathering?"

Respondents choosing to gather with their family members or not alter theirs plan also shared their thoughts.

"Celebrations should be left up to individuals - what about our freedom of choice? It is up to every person to celebrate how they choose w/out government interference," one reader wrote.

"The people who are afraid aren't coming," another respondent said. "Period."

Another reader shared that they felt this was a family decision.

"This is a family by family decision," the person said. "No one in our families is older or immune compromised. We plan to go on with business as usual."

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 more results from the survey below: