Nandita Bhose

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Joe Biden, his wife Jill, and their children will visit Nantucket on Tuesday. They’ll be spending Thanksgiving with their families, reviving a tradition of decades that was disrupted last year because of the pandemic.

Biden celebrates Thanksgiving on Nantucket every year almost since 1975. It is located about 30 miles (48km) to the south of Cape Cod and has been a popular vacation destination for the rich, although more so during summer than on Thanksgiving.

After Beau’s death from brain cancer in 2015, Biden broke away with his family traditions and when he was elected president in 2020 because of the pandemic. He followed the public health guidelines to avoid large crowds and travel.

In comments earlier this month, the President talked about Thanksgiving family reunions and encouraged everyone to receive their COVID-19 shots.

Last Thanksgiving was the first to be attended by just four people – me, my wife, and our daughter, and myself, and my son in-law.  Thanks to vaccines, we will be able to fill both our plates and our hearts later in the month. 

President and First Lady served Thanksgiving meals at Fort Bragg (North Carolina) on Monday to thank them for their loyalty and service.

Biden decided to visit U.S. troops in the United States, rather than travel abroad like his predecessors. He has already withdrawn troops Afghanistan, and will end the U.S. military mission to Iraq at the end of the year.

Former presidents, including Barack Obama and Donald Trump all visited Afghanistan or Iraq to see troops during the holiday season.

Last week, Biden pardoned Peanut Butter and Jelly from Indiana, continuing a tradition dating back to Thanksgiving.

Americans prepare to celebrate the holiday amid rising gas and food prices and increased supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic.

American Farm Bureau Federation reported last week that the Thanksgiving meal will increase by 14% on average. This is the largest annual rise in 31 years. However, shoppers still have bargains at grocery stores.