Add to Cart with Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak

Episode: Christmas Reanimation
Date: December 5, 2025
Hosts: Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak

Episode Overview

This festive episode marks a special holiday return for Kulap and SuChin, who gather to share their evolved philosophies on gift-giving, preparation for the Christmas season, and recommendations for thoughtful, unique presents. Their conversation is filled with humor, friendship, and candid reflections on both the joys and stresses of the holidays—sprinkled with notable tradition updates and sharp-witted banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Return for Holiday Cheer and Traditions

• The hosts return for this special holiday episode, emphasizing the personal delight they find in recording for Christmas, even if the regular show schedule is on pause.

  • “We text and we're like, we have to come back at least for Christmas. Not for anyone else, but just for me and you.” (00:39 – Kulap)

• Nostalgia for previous recurring guests and segments ("Santa Paul Sheer" and "Tree Time"), creating a sense of community and tradition.

  • “For me, tree time is like, my treat.” (01:03 – Kulap)

2. Philosophy of Gift-Giving and Holiday Preparation

• SuChin debuts her 2025 holiday philosophy, influenced by a recent trip to Italy and a desire to minimize stress and maximize enjoyment.
• This year’s mantra: Condensed, intentional shopping and reclaiming the joy of the season.
  • “Christmas shopping is going to happen in three days. Two days of whittling down... Once that list is down, I've got one day to buy every single gift for every single person, and then I’m done.” (12:07 – SuChin)
• Focus on savoring “tree time” and seasonal experiences, not letting shopping tasks encroach on joyful moments.
  • “Number one, most important thing, Enjoy it...I do not want to spend any more Christmas music time...taking away from all of that...In the end, the person getting it, it doesn't even fucking matter.” (13:29 – SuChin)

3. Decision Fatigue & Shopaholic Truths

• Honest confessions about the compulsion to shop, the overwhelming lists, and how compressing gift-buying into a short, focused window helps combat decision fatigue and guilt.
  • “So I just need to purchase it and be done. I can go back and forth on one person on my list for the entire season and it will drive me crazy.” (15:11 – SuChin)

4. Reanimation: The Thrill of Shopping

• SuChin’s “reanimation” story: Shopping (especially great deals or special sales) literally animates her and brings palpable excitement and energy to her life.
  • “I have never seen you this animated...when zombies come back to life, it's called reanimation.” (17:33 – SuChin and Kulap)

5. Sharing Seasonal Joy: The Instagram Vignettes

• Kulap agrees to share random, funny photos of Christmas décor from her home on Instagram, giving listeners daily doses of endorphin-inducing holiday spirit.
  • “You'll be going about your day and making dinner and then bing. You look, and it's two doves on a tree. And you say, God damn it, my day is better.” (07:46 – SuChin)

6. Parenting, Midlife, and Being Real

• Open, humorous reflections on aging, motherhood, and bodily mishaps in middle age—infusing intimate, relatable moments with laughter.
  • “45's the year when I'm like, oh. Oh...I'm changing my underwear at such a rapid rate.” (20:34 – Kulap)

7. Rediscovering Time for Self-Care

• By finishing shopping early, SuChin aims to reclaim time for rest, pampering, and solo enjoyment during the busy holidays.
  • “Me time. Yeah. What am I talking about? Facials, massages, dinner for one, matinee, movies. All of the things that I want to do that make me happy just by myself.” (22:02 – SuChin)

8. Combatting Consumerist Overload

• Candid acknowledgment of the tension between holiday consumerism and family values, with some partners and family members dismissing or resisting décor and gift traditions.
  • “Christmas could be an afterthought, where you have to constantly fight the tide of ‘I don't want more stuff.’” (09:58 – SuChin)

9. Gift Guide Bonanza: Personal Recommendations

Both hosts share detailed, handpicked gift ideas across categories and recipients:

Books

• Pick a Color by Suvan Kamtamavongsa – A poetic, beautifully written novel capturing the immigrant experience; short, powerful, and highly giftable. (24:07 – Kulap)

Fashion

• Yitai sweaters – Hand-embroidered, landscape-themed sweaters from a Pasadena-based small business; praised for quality and unique design. (25:56 – Kulap)

  • “These sweaters are stunning...endrophin dressing in such an elevated way.” (27:00 – SuChin)

• Catbird recycled gold jewelry – Thoughtful, delicate pieces that can be personalized with meaning. Kulap has previously gifted SuChin a special charm. (27:52 – Kulap)

Skincare

• AUNU Skincare with FDA-cleared Manuka Honey – Recently launched, clean, clinically backed; a unique, deeply moisturizing cream praised for efficacy and a luxurious texture.
  • “It is a consistency in a cream that I've never experienced...it looks like whipped honey.” (33:33 – SuChin)

Multi-Category Online Shopping

• Smallable.com – Chic, French-founded curation of gifts across ages and categories, from home goods to teen and baby gifts.
  • “So well curated and edited...brands I’ve never heard of, price points range really good from cheap to expensive.” (36:24 – SuChin)

Kid’s Gifts

• Super Smalls – Maximalist, feminine jewelry and accessories for little fashionistas. The "Time to Shine Dress Up Mega Trunk" is highlighted for playfulness and style.

  • “Let’s try to make it chic...there is not one single tacky item in this box.” (43:06 – SuChin)

• Fart Monster – A scented whoopee-cushion plush (bubblegum or pineapple scents) for hours of kiddie laughter.

  • “A plushie with a whoopee cushion inside...‘buttloads of fun’ and that's double T.” (45:48 – Kulap)

• Snoopy Portable First Light – Adorable, portable night-light to aid with toddler sleep routines. (48:44 – Kulap)

White Elephant & Stocking Stuffers

• Cute matching mugs (I love you / Good morning), clever bucket hats, and quirky hair accessories, each selected with humor and taste in mind. (38:38 – SuChin)

More Fashion & Accessories

• Abby Arad’s seasonal fashion drops – One staple item per season, vetted by a pro stylist (best hat, best barn jacket, best denim shirt). (53:23 – SuChin)

  • “Someone's already done the work and the thinking...These are just staple things that a fashion stylist who's been doing this for years is like, you know what should be in every person's closet?” (54:26 – SuChin)

• Damson Matter apron – An example of a gift that is both practical and elevated. (56:35 – SuChin)

• Tyla Jelly kitten heel thong sandal – Jelly heel with a twist, available in chic colors. (58:01 – SuChin)

• Fabric cord covers – Quirky, “hygge” touch for home décor or as a distinctive gift. (59:19 – SuChin)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Reanimation Metaphor:

  • “When zombies come back to life, it's called reanimation.” (17:45 – Kulap)
  • “I wish I could see what he saw through his eyes. And I was like, get out of my way. Get me every sock.” (17:56 – SuChin)

• Holiday Joy Sharing:

  • “You look, and it's two doves on a tree. And you say, God damn it, my day is better.” (07:46 – SuChin)

• Aging Commentary:

  • “I coughed too hard. I laughed. I'm changing my underwear at such a rapid rate.” (20:34 – Kulap)
  • “Wait till your teeth start falling out...the grim reaper comes for us all.” (21:08 – SuChin)

• On Parenting:

  • “The fact that you get anything done and I have help...Every parent should get an award because it's like...the ship's hitting the fan.” (19:25 – Kulap)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:10 – Show return and holiday intention
• 01:03 – Tree Time tradition; holiday joy
• 12:07 – SuChin’s three-day Christmas blitz shopping philosophy
• 15:01 – Decision fatigue and strategies for relief
• 17:33 – “Reanimation” story (shopping as life-force)
• 19:25 – Parenting confession & admiration
• 22:02 – Self-care and reclaiming time with earlier shopping
• 24:07 – Gift Guide: Books (Pick a Color)
• 25:56 – Gift Guide: Yitai sweaters & Catbird jewelry
• 31:32 – Skincare Gift: AUNU Manuka Honey cream
• 35:33 – Shopping resource: Smallable.com
• 40:25 – Kid’s Gifts: Super Smalls trunk
• 45:13 – Kid’s Gifts: Fart Monster plush
• 48:44 – Kid’s Gifts: Snoopy night-light
• 53:23 – Fashion: Abby Arad’s seasonal staples
• 56:35 – Gifts for adults: Aprons, jelly sandals, cord covers
• 61:37 – Christmas Village segment, SuChin’s new Sights & Sounds cake factory (detailed, comedic description)
• 73:04 – Show wrap-up and social media updates

Tone and Style

The episode is warm, irreverent, and deeply personal: Two friends delighting in each other’s company, mucking around with the absurd and the practical alike, and offering real, lived-in advice. Laughter and digressions abound, but the tips and insights are sharp and actionable.

Listeners are drawn into the “auntie” circle, encouraged to embrace the season, savor traditions, and shop with intention (and joy).

Stay Connected

• Follow on Instagram: @addtocartpod for daily holiday vignettes and product picks.
• Gift guide and episode links: On Instagram and the Add to Cart website.
• Special promises: Look for Instagram Lives, home and village tours (“Titties and Bitties”), and spontaneous content drops throughout the holiday season.

Happiest holidays to all Carters! However you celebrate, we celebrate you. (73:04 – Kulap)