Experiences Over Gifts

What is up my Eaters! I hope your week is going well. I am doing much better this week than I was last week. Last week, Gwen and I had a pretty huge curveball come our way, and we are still trying to navigate it. However, the initial jarring effects have subsided.

This week we are going to talk about why food and food experiences have quickly become, in my opinion, the best gift option for Christmas. As a way to distance myself as much as possible from last week’s unkindness, I began thinking about the upcoming holiday. Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays. As a kid, Christmas was always like a movie. I was the youngest and slightly spoiled. There was always an abundance of wrapped toys, clothes, and whatever else we wanted under the tree on Christmas morning. However, as an adult, when I reflect on the Christmases of my youth, it isn’t the amazing toys, clothes, and electronics that come to mind.

What comes to mind is the countless hours spent as a family traveling to and exploring the streets of New York City. For years, on Christmas Eve or the day before, my mom would pile us into the car and make the hour-and-a-half drive north to Manhattan. It never got old. It was an adventure every year. We always knew we were close when we could look across the Hudson River and be greeted by the skyscrapers of New York City. Chief among them were the historic Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Sometimes we drove through the Holland Tunnel and parked in the city. Other times we would park on the New Jersey side of the river and take the subway into the city. This was always my preferred way.

It was such a departure from the rural suburbs we lived in (a place much like Coweta and Fayette counties). The sounds, the buildings, the congestion, and all the people-watching were so invigorating to me. As I write these words, I can literally feel myself in Times Square.

However, the greatest gifts from those holidays in New York City—and the memories that still ring the loudest in my life today—are all the incredible food moments we had as a family while we explored the city. We would eat all day. From the absolute best pizza in the world, to the perfect Peking duck and handmade dumplings of Chinatown, to the roasted chestnuts of Central Park, to the countless tiny markets and street food vendors that were everywhere—those holiday trips to New York City were culinary experiences that marked my life and still put a smile on my face today.

When I reflect on Christmas of my past, I don’t reflect on all the toys and stuff. I reflect on—and share about—the foodie moments that helped shape the very food perspective I bring to each of you every week. I think of the faces, flavors, and family bonding we shared.

Eaters, let this week’s column serve as an encouragement. Instead of going out and spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on material things that will more than likely provide only fleeting gratification this holiday season, I exhort you to change the narrative. Invest in foodie moments and experiences for yourself and your loved ones as Christmas gifts this year. Although they can be extravagant, they don’t have to be.

Some activities that come to mind are a meal at a restaurant you wouldn’t normally go to, food tours, baking or cooking together (or for someone), hiring a personal chef, and growing or foraging food for someone. These are just a few examples.

Take my advice. It may take a little convincing to transform the mindsets of your loved ones. However, be firm in your resolve. Gift experiences. Request them as well. This new way will build deeper connection and memories, increase culture and perspective, promote intellectual growth, and be more life-shaping.

I look forward to being with you again next week. Remember, you can always come see me or my team, every Saturday at the Peachtree City Farmers Market.