Amid corporation layoffs and state budget cuts, another institution made a statement today regarding its future in a shaky economy: my family.

Due to money loss in the stock market and an unsurpassable budget deficit, my family announced that this Thanksgiving, they’re taking strategic approaches to reduce spending.

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the amount cut is much greater than anticipated.

But, we believe the best way to ensure a successful Thanksgiving in the current market is to make a few significant changes.

To combat losses that our Thanksgiving and Thanksgivings abroad have faced, a few items on the traditional menu will be let go. Due to overspending by several family members in the house, turkey and potatoes will be the first cut.

As a family dedicated to innovation, we decided that our new main dish will be turkey-shaped Spam. Our inspiration: The UW Marching Band’s halftime show during the last home game. Who knew that dancing medieval people could make Spam sound so appealing? Frying the canned mystery meat rather than baking a large bird will effectively save almost $20, as well as reduce energy costs and environmental impact by shortening oven time.

The potato market dropped another 100 points in Idaho today, so rather than picking up a 10-pound sack of the real thing, I’m purchasing mashed potatoes in a box. Not only is mixing water with flakes easier, but sometimes it’s tastier as well. At least, my younger brother thinks so.

Thanksgiving Day is also built on the cranberry-consumer market. Due to its drop, I have decided to bail out the entire cranberry farm. Hopefully by using my parents’ hard-earned retirement fund, the cranberry market will rebound and provide us enough of the jiggly canned treat for years to come.

As always, the priority in dealing with any reductions will be to maintain what is most important and reduce what is least important.

Pumpkin pie currently plays a critical role in Thanksgiving. Now is the absolute worst time to cut funding for pies. Despite budget cuts, I have spoken with my father and will continue to work with him to show the impact that pastries and pumpkins can make on a holiday meal.

I have confidence our family will emerge from this Thanksgiving full and happy. I also know that the way we will do this is by working together and collaborating to find creative ways to have a successful holiday.

In times like these, it is easy to focus on the problems of this year and the next fiscal Thanksgiving. Rather than limit ourselves this way, we need to look to the future and the next several hundred Thanksgivings.

It doesn’t matter what we eat, or what we cut out from the table but how we can make a good holiday. Let us ride out the fluctuations in the Thanksgiving market and be thankful for what we still have: family, friends and fried Spam.

Reach columnist Erika Cederlind at opinion@dailyuw.com.