Deep Dive
Why did Laren decide to do two Thanksgivings this year?
Laren recently went through a breakup and the plan was to spend Thanksgiving with her ex-boyfriend's family. She decided to celebrate twice with both sides of her family.
Why was Alex initially adamant about not hosting Thanksgiving this year?
Alex is a good host but needs to be in the mood. She felt too busy and wanted to relax and be present with her family without the stress of hosting.
What are some of Alex's favorite Thanksgiving foods?
Alex loves stuffing, creamed corn, and sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top. She also enjoys the overall experience of eating a variety of rich, southern foods.
How did Alex feel about leftovers after hosting Thanksgiving for the first time?
Alex was upset when her husband gave away all the leftovers without her knowledge. She made him promise not to do it again and even had to remake stuffing for herself.
What is Laren's approach to handling difficult conversations about personal life during holidays?
Laren plans to steer the conversation in a positive direction, focusing on her excitement about the future and the opportunities ahead rather than dwelling on being single or childless.
How did Laren's family cope with the loss of her dad during the holiday season?
Laren's family started new traditions, like hiking in national parks, to create fresh memories and avoid feeling like they were trying to replace her dad at the traditional family table.
What was the most dramatic moment in Alex's high school experience?
Alex's high school boyfriend got so drunk that he had to be taken out on a stretcher and had his stomach pumped. She mourned his departure by wearing black for three months.
Why does Laren consider a particular girl from high school her arch nemesis?
Laren's arch nemesis is the girl who repeatedly cheated with her high school boyfriend. The drama culminated at senior prom when they were caught making out in front of everyone.
- Laren is doing two Thanksgivings, one in Louisiana and one in Pennsylvania.
- Alex initially didn't want to host but ended up offering to do so.
- Both have strong preferences for specific Thanksgiving foods.
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