Podcast Summary: "I’m a Food Editor. I Hate Thanksgiving Dinner"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Opinions
- Host/Author: The New York Times Opinion
- Episode: I’m a Food Editor. I Hate Thanksgiving Dinner
- Release Date: November 25, 2024
Introduction
In this episode of The Opinions, hosted by The New York Times Opinion team, Margot Lafsky, an associate editor for New York Times Cooking, opens up about her unconventional stance on Thanksgiving dinner. Contrary to the traditional enthusiasm surrounding the holiday feast, Lafsky candidly shares her frustrations and explores alternative ways to celebrate Thanksgiving that resonate more with her personal and family preferences.
Margot Lafsky on Thanksgiving Dinner: A Personal Dilemma
Timestamp [00:42]
Margot Lafsky begins by expressing her dislike for Thanksgiving dinner, highlighting the monotony and rigidity she perceives in the traditional meal. She remarks:
“I kind of find that it's all sort of brown and soft and kind of one note.”
— Margot Lafsky [01:10]
Lafsky points out that despite the significant effort and planning involved in preparing the holiday meal—often starting as early as April or May—she finds the result unsatisfying. She criticizes the universal reliance on roast turkey, which she feels dominates the table without offering much variety or excitement.
“People try it and they go, that's good for turkey. It's like three weeks or a month of work and planning.”
— Margot Lafsky [01:45]
She also touches on the fleeting nature of the meal, noting that after all the preparation, the celebration often concludes within minutes of sitting down to eat.
Innovative Approaches to Thanksgiving
Timestamp [02:20]
Determined to find a more fulfilling way to celebrate, Lafsky shares her family's alternative approach to Thanksgiving. Rather than adhering to the conventional home-cooked meal, they opt for dining out at the same restaurant annually. This choice alleviates the stress of cooking and the subsequent mountain of dishes.
“It's not the best restaurant in the world. It's never gonna be reviewed by Pete Wells. But the food is solid and we can pick what we want from the menu.”
— Margot Lafsky [02:55]
This strategy allows each family member to choose dishes they enjoy:
- Lafsky prefers options like filet mignon or salmon.
- Her husband sticks to the classic Thanksgiving fare.
- Their children opt for simpler dishes such as chicken tenders or pasta with butter.
The result is a harmonious meal where everyone leaves satisfied, followed by a relaxing evening at home without the burden of cleanup.
“And everybody leaves happy. And then we get to come home and nobody has any dishes to do and we watch White Christmas.”
— Margot Lafsky [03:10]
Challenging Traditional Norms
Timestamp [03:50]
Lafsky advocates for reimagining Thanksgiving to accommodate diverse tastes and preferences, emphasizing flexibility over tradition. She suggests that allowing individuals to choose their dishes can make the holiday more enjoyable and less stressful.
“If I could reinvent Thanksgiving, I would just make it more acceptable to sort of make whatever you want, you know, and not feel beholden to tradition.”
— Margot Lafsky [03:30]
She encourages others who share her aversion to the traditional meal to consider alternatives such as potlucks, delegating responsibilities, or incorporating favorite dishes from various cuisines.
Advice for Those Struggling with Thanksgiving Dinner
Timestamp [03:53]
Lafsky offers practical tips for listeners who find Thanksgiving dinner overwhelming or unenjoyable:
-
Diversify the Menu:
“Maybe bring a different dish this year to Thanksgiving to change it up a little bit.”
(Margot Lafsky [04:00]) -
Delegate Tasks:
“If you're normally the one in charge and you feel overwhelmed, delegate something.”
(Margot Lafsky [04:05]) -
Embrace Convenience:
“Don't be scared of store-bought things. Order the pies. Don't feel like you have to make all the pies.”
(Margot Lafsky [04:15]) -
Prioritize Enjoyment:
“Give yourself permission to do something that's really going to make you feel thankful and not resentful.”
(Margot Lafsky [04:20])
These strategies aim to reduce stress and enhance the overall appreciation of the holiday by focusing on gratitude rather than obligation.
Closing Thoughts
Margot Lafsky concludes by reaffirming her appreciation for the essence of Thanksgiving—gratitude and family time—while advocating for personalized celebrations that align better with individual and familial preferences. Her candid discussion offers a refreshing perspective for listeners who may feel constrained by traditional Thanksgiving expectations.
Production Credits
The episode was produced by Derek Arthur, Sophia Alvarez, Boyd, Vishaka Durba, Phoebe Lett, Christina Samulewski, and Jillian Weinberger. Editing was handled by Kari Pitkin, Alison Brusek, and Annie Rose Strasser. The engineering, mixing, and original music were crafted by Isaac Jones, Sonia Herrero, Pat McCusker, Carol Saburo, and Afim Shapiro, with additional music by Amin Sohota. The Fact Check team included Kate Sinclair, Mary Marge Locker, and Michelle Harris. Audience strategy was managed by Shannon Busta, Christina Samulewski, and Adrian Rivera, with Annie Rose Dresser serving as the executive producer of Times Opinion Audio.
Notable Quotes:
-
“It's all sort of brown and soft and kind of one note.”
— Margot Lafsky [01:10] -
“It's like three weeks or a month of work and planning.”
— Margot Lafsky [01:45] -
“It’s the last thing I want to do is to think about making my own.”
— Margot Lafsky [02:05] -
“If I could reinvent Thanksgiving, I would just make it more acceptable to sort of make whatever you want.”
— Margot Lafsky [03:30] -
“Give yourself permission to do something that's really going to make you feel thankful and not resentful.”
— Margot Lafsky [04:20]
This episode provides an insightful look into the pressures and expectations surrounding Thanksgiving dinner, offering listeners alternative approaches to celebrating the holiday in ways that prioritize personal well-being and family harmony.