Whether it’s sweet potatoes gone rogue or a Buzz Lightyear scaling the stage, the Fun Table crew (Libby Sundgren, Alysse Bryson, Kristin Graham, Dele Downs Kooley and Amy Liz Harrison) unwrap the messy magic of holiday gatherings. From stocking traditions and grief rituals to ditching gifts in favor of gratitude and connection, this episode celebrates the power of togetherness — sparkly elf glasses and all.
Takeaways:
Every gathering tells a story — embrace the unplanned moments that become tradition.
Gratitude bowls and “thankful cards” can transform any table into a connection circle.
Experiences often outshine gifts; the best memories don’t come in boxes.
Honoring multiple cultures and faiths makes celebrations richer and more inclusive.
The true gift of the holidays? Showing up — messy, mismatched and present.
Timestamps:
01:25 — Welcome to The Fun Table: Holiday gatherings are both art and adventure.
04:01 — The Buzz Lightyear story that stole Christmas Eve.
07:20 — Dele’s legendary sweet potato Thanksgiving moment.
10:12 — Finding joy through grief and gratitude.
16:15 — The crew ditches gifts for experiences.
20:09 — Stocking stuffers, olives and depression-era traditions.
24:03 — Blending faiths and cultural celebrations with grace.
28:30 — “Come as you are” holiday hosting and open-house joy.
Resources & Links:
-Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn
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