Our 'average' tab for family of four tops $71, led by the turkey (of course)

By Kelsey Watts, KTVZ.COM

The day before Thanksgiving, Central Oregon grocery stores were packed, as last-minute shoppers stocked up on everything from the stuffing to the sweet potatoes.

But it all adds up very quickly. So just how much does the average dinner cost this year?

Of course, there's no one answer to that question - it all depends on where you shop, what's on your list, and what you can do without.

But we put together a list of 10 Thanksgiving ‘essentials' to find out what it all adds up to, and if shoppers are cutting back.

We found a 22-pound turkey for just under $40 dollars - by far the biggest ticket item on the list. 

Add in the stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans, gravy, cranberry sauce, canned pumpkin, pie crust, rolls, and mashed potatoes, and our grand total came to $71.07 for the average family of four.

Many families we spoke with Wednesday said the economy is shaping their grocery list this holiday, and they're sticking to a budget. Some expected to spend $50-$80; other families, $100-$200. 

But you can easily cut those costs by buying cheaper store-brand products, using coupons, and shopping the sale items.

This is our ‘un-empirical' look at holiday spending, but nationally, there is good news: After years of rising prices, that classic Thanksgiving dinner will actually cost you less this year, for the first time since 2004.

The American Farm Bureau Federation reports prices are down by about 4 percent overall.