82 Percent of Americans Find Thanksgiving Gathering Worth Planning Stress Despite Comfort Issues

SOMERSET, N.J., Oct. 8, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Stressless, the Norwegian furniture brand known for its ergonomic recliners and sofas, has released new insights about Thanksgiving dinner, revealing that 82% of Americans surveyed believe the joy of gathering with loved ones outweighs the stress of planning. However, the comfort of the chairs they sit in is a different story, with respondents rating their dining chairs at a mere 3.7 out of 10, where 1 is extremely uncomfortable and 10 is extremely comfortable.

The company has introduced the Stressless Bay Low Back reclining dining chair, designed to bring comfort to the dining table. The chair features discreet flexibility in the seat and back, allowing for easy movement and extended periods of sitting in total comfort.

Comfort and ergonomics are top priorities for many. Seventy-six percent of survey respondents said that where they sit is important for comfort, while another 46% emphasized the need for ergonomic seating. On average, people spend two hours and 24 minutes eating their Thanksgiving meal, and 93% of them linger at the table after the feast is over. In fact, 62% of Gen Zers want their Thanksgiving to last even longer.

The topics of discussion at the Thanksgiving table are varied, with reminiscing (40%), family gossip (34%), life updates (34%), TV shows and movies (33%), and sports (30%) topping the list. Stressless is currently offering a $200 discount on each Stressless® Dining Chair through October 26, encouraging consumers to upgrade their seating for the holiday.

The survey, conducted by an independent research firm on behalf of Stressless, involved 2,000 U.S. adults who celebrate Thanksgiving. The survey was administered between September 9 and September 16, 2026.

Since its introduction of its first recliner in 1971, more than 10 million Stressless seats have been sold. The company operates in 43 countries, with 18 sales offices in 11 countries and over 4,000 sales outlets. Each day, more than 1,300 Stressless seats are produced at the Group's factories along the west coast of Norway, with an assembly factory in Morganton, N.C., catering to the North American market with Stressless sofas, power recliners, and accessories.