For only the second time in their 41-year marriage, Calvin and Trish Zastrow will be spending Thanksgiving apart. The first time was due to travel — this time it’s because Cal is serving a six-month prison sentence over a peaceful protest at a Tennessee abortion facility in 2021.

Zastrow was convicted earlier this year on FACE Act-related charges brought by the Biden administration after he prayed, sang hymns, and sat in front of the door to the entrance of an abortion facility in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Calling from the Federal Correctional Institute Thomson in Illinois this week, Zastrow told The Daily Wire he was doing “absolutely fantastic.”

“I’m all on fire for Jesus,” he said. “I’m doing absolutely great, I’m on a big mission trip here.”

Over one month into his prison sentence, Zastrow said he has kept busy praying, reading his Bible, and teaching his fellow inmates about Christianity.

“There’s a whole lot of prodigals who are wallowing in pig mud, but they want to come back to Jesus, and so I’m here as a missionary to pull them out of that and help them get back on the Jesus road,” he said. (Read more from “Pro-Lifer Spending Thanksgiving in Prison Grateful for Opportunity: ‘A DOJ-Sponsored Mission Trip’” HERE)

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A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that Thanksgiving remains a deeply rooted occasion for prayer and expressions of gratitude among Americans, with nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults saying they either say a prayer or share what they are thankful for during the holiday meal.

Despite a broader trend of religious disaffiliation in the United States over the past decade, the survey highlights that many Americans continue to hold strong spiritual beliefs, particularly around the holidays. According to the Pew study, 65% of U.S. adults report that someone at their Thanksgiving dinner traditionally says a prayer or blessing, while 69% say they express gratitude by sharing things they are thankful for. More than half (56%) of respondents report that both of these traditions occur at their Thanksgiving table.

Religious identification appears to play a significant role in the continuation of these traditions. Among those who identify with particular faiths, participation in Thanksgiving prayers is notably higher. For example, 91% of white evangelical Protestants, 88% of black Protestants, 74% of Catholics, and 72% of white non-evangelical Protestants say someone at their dinner offers a prayer or blessing.

On the other hand, the survey found that religiously unaffiliated groups were less likely to observe these traditions. Just 22% of atheists say someone typically offers a prayer at their Thanksgiving dinner, with 39% of agnostics and 22% of Jewish adults also reporting similar practices. Among those who describe their religion as “nothing in particular,” 45% said a prayer is typically said during Thanksgiving.

However, when it comes to expressing gratitude, even those who identify as non-religious tend to take part in the tradition. Majorities of atheists (48%), agnostics (61%), and those who say they have no religious affiliation (59%) report that someone at their table typically shares what they are thankful for during the holiday meal.

The Pew Research Center conducted the survey between November 12 and November 17, 2024, gathering responses from a nationally representative sample of 9,609 adults.

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As Americans prepare for Thanksgiving this year, a new poll reveals that a significant portion of the population is feeling the strain of rising costs, with many adjusting their holiday plans accordingly.

The latest Economist/YouGov survey, conducted from November 17-19, 2024, found that 37 percent of respondents say their Thanksgiving celebrations have been impacted by price hikes. Another 36 percent reported that their plans have not been affected, while 8 percent expressed uncertainty.

Price Concerns Cross Political Lines

The survey shows a notable difference in how political affiliations influence responses to the cost increases. Republicans were the most likely to report that their Thanksgiving plans had been affected, with 47 percent acknowledging the impact of price hikes. Among independents, 35 percent said they too had felt the pinch, while 29 percent of Democrats reported similar concerns. However, Democrats were more likely than Republicans or independents to say their plans remained unaffected—47 percent of Democrats said the price increases had not impacted them.

Holiday Spending in the Spotlight

The rising cost of essentials such as food, gas, and other holiday-related expenses has been a growing concern for many Americans, particularly under the leadership of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Since January 2021, the prices of common items like eggs and gasoline have surged dramatically—eggs have risen by 147 percent, while gas prices have increased by 50 percent. These price hikes have left many questioning how much they will be able to spend on holiday meals, travel, and gatherings.

Survey Methodology

The poll, which included 1,595 adult respondents across the United States, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percent. It highlights the ongoing financial pressures many Americans are facing as they approach the holiday season. With rising costs affecting everything from the cost of food to travel, this Thanksgiving may look different for many families across the nation.

As the holiday season draws near, these findings underscore the broader economic concerns that continue to shape American life, especially as inflation and cost-of-living issues remain a top priority for many voters.

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