In this episode of SeongLife, Daniel Seong and Christina Seong open up about canceling Thanksgiving with their extended family due to a busy season of moving and their two eldest daughters leaving home. The conversation explores how holidays change with family dynamics, the mixed feelings of letting kids grow up, and favorite Thanksgiving memories—including an unconventional Carl's Jr. feast. They talk about side dishes they love and dislike, their dislike of turkey, and dreams of new traditions, like hosting future Thanksgivings at a mountain house. The episode ends with gratitude for family time, reflections on hosting, and a teaser about a beverage-stealing mystery for next time.

3 Key Takeaways

1. It's Okay to Break Holiday Traditions

Christina Seong and Daniel Seong open up about their decision to cancel their traditional Thanksgiving gathering this year due to family transitions and a busy season. Their candid reflections remind listeners that it's okay to adapt or even pause long-standing family traditions based on life's changing circumstances; sometimes, letting go for a year can lead to new meaning and memories.

2. Cherish Family Moments, However They Happen

The episode highlights the bittersweet reality of children growing up and moving out, and the limited time families truly spend together. Christina Seong and Daniel Seong emphasize the importance of cherishing even casual family dinners and creating gratitude rituals, no matter how simple or nontraditional they may be. The true heart of the holidays lies in being together, not in the meal itself.

3. Hospitality Is About Connection, Not Perfection

The hosts talk about the joy they find in feeding others and hosting gatherings, but also openly share the extra work and emotional effort involved—especially for Christina Seong. They encourage listeners to focus on the warmth and togetherness that comes from hosting, not on achieving the "perfect" holiday spread. Whether it's turkey, steak, or Carl's Jr., it's the shared experience that matters most.

Show Overview

00:00 Thanksgiving: Gratitude and Growing Work
03:46 Seong Family Thanksgiving at Carl's Jr.
06:36 Last Family Holiday Moments
11:47 Hosting Thanksgiving, Family, and Picky Eaters
15:54 Family Dinner Traditions Evolving
18:07 Homemade Cooking Obsession
22:22 Thanksgiving, Family, and Black Friday
23:44 Reflecting on a Big Year