The Season of Potluck and Paper Plates

‘Tis the Season

Well, here we are, the Season for sharing has begun. It’s that time of year when, just to get a head start, Auntie starts preparing meals for Thanksgiving dinner during the week before Halloween, and notifying family and friends that their contribution to the potluck will be appreciated.

The Guest Who’s Coming to Dinner

Every year during the winter season, like migrating birds or a relative on vacation, who shows up at your door with four suitcases and a carry-on, swearing, “I just need somewhere to lay my head for the night”, certain characters return to our holiday get-togethers.

You know the ones. These are the people who understand potluck means everyone brings something, and more often than not, their “something” is moral support, with a side order of, “Where should I put this, Auntie?”

These heroes arrive carrying a package of 20 paper plates, knowing full well that Auntie always uses ceramics and silverware. At her house, paper plates are as helpful as sunglasses in a coal mine.

The Potluck Parade

Then they glide straight to the buffet line, where they pick up a plate and silverware, survey with confidence, and ask, “Now, then, what are we eating on this blessed day?”

Despite being the last to arrive, and first in line, brimming with confidence, they stack healthy portions on their sturdy plate with the precision of an architect.

Whether it’s Turkey and potato salad, Lasagna, or even vegetarian dishes, these carnivores will pack their plate with two helpings.

Put some back for the masses? “Sorry, Auntie,” they laugh, “it’s already on my plate, and, you know, first come, first served.”

Now, don’t get me wrong. We’ve all chuckled, exchanged “They’re doing it again” glances across the room, and rolled our eyes, or whispered when the evening winds down, and they’re the first ones loading up a paper plate, or three, to go. “Hey, Auntie, I’m going to take just a little something for later.”

In the quiet moments between hugs and laughter, after they walk out with enough food to survive an apocalypse, there’s something else happening, something gentler,  a soft tug at our hearts, a reminder that sometimes those stacked plates aren’t about greed at all.

Because sometimes, that tower of to-go plates isn’t selfishness, it’s survival. Sometimes those extra servings are headed to a fridge that’s emptier than they’ll admit.

‘Tis the Season for Smuggling

This Season, many families are struggling quietly, stretching budgets, counting pennies, and doing mental gymnastics to make the fridge contents last longer. And while humor keeps us sane, trust me, I’ll laugh when Cousin Jack smuggles an entire tray of turkey wings, because I understand.

So this holiday season, as we gather around tables filled with love and carbohydrates, let the paper-plate folks have their moment. Let them pile, scoop, scrape, and pack with gusto. Laugh, softly. Even make jokes, but be kind, and hug them before they leave.

‘Tis the Season for Sharing

Remember, community means sharing with family, friends, and even strangers. When the math of who-brought-what doesn’t quite add up. It doesn’t have to.

Because at the end of the day, whether we bring a homemade casserole, a store-bought pie, or paper plates and a good attitude, everyone deserves to leave a little fuller than they came, with their dignity intact.

And, well, if someone goes home with enough leftovers to feed their household for days, so be it; this is the Season of giving.

😉 Enjoy your holiday, hug your people, and as always, keep on reading.

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C. K. & Kat DeLeon

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