The class I used this lesson in has three foreign exchange students. We discussed what "Thanksgiving" was in their home countries and if they have any "large" meals like ours for any celebration. This lesson also helped the students learn more about Thanksgiving when they tried to explain it to our exchange students.

As we were talking about CPI, inflation and deflation, the students were able to use that information and discuss what is currently happening in our economy. They felt deflation (especially of gas prices) was a good thing until they learned that pushes the unemployment rate up.

This activity helped them with budgeting also. By comparing years, they could see how their families might need to change certain traditions or budget more money to their Thanksgiving Day meal. When comparing the area grocery stories prices, they could see why it is important to "shop around" to receive the best deal.