GIGANTIC Thanksgiving Tidbits from Our Team
POSTED ON November 17th, 2025 BY The Gigantic Team
Even as we all strive to live zero waste every day, it turns out the Gigantic team runs the gamut of Thanksgiving tidbits to share. So… pass the mashed potatoes and read on to discover what your favorite staffer is doing to kick off this holiday season.
Lisa:
“We will be traveling to Arizona to spend time with family members known for their large appetites! Despite this, all the cooks have agreed to downsize portions and the number of dishes offered— to reduce food waste, as well as waistlines—and to use the savings to help others in need. So it’s turkey breast this year instead of a full bird, and smaller portions all around. We will keep an overabundance of gratitude on the menu, however.”
Peter:
“This year we’ll be seeing our relatives spread out across the country, and the theme is quality over quantity. We’ll visit my in-laws who “eat like birds” (if they’re reading this, they will agree those are THEIR words!). So, rather than cook a feast and likely have a lot left over, we are opting to eat at a restaurant where we can pare down any food waste. For dessert, we will be back at my in-laws’ assisted living apartment — we plan to bring a small amount of Bay Area baked goods to share. As part of my zero waste duty, I will of course ensure none of these go to waste!”
Nancy:
“I try to eat vegetarian and luckily there are quite a few festive recipes that don’t include meat. My favorite for Thanksgiving potlucks is Delicata Squash Stuffed with Wild Rice (and kale, but maybe don’t mention that to guests). I’ve never had to worry about leftovers, but they can be reheated very easily! One way to really avoid leftovers is to skip the feast altogether and instead get up early to attend Alcatraz’s Thanksgiving Indigenous Peoples’ Sunrise Ceremony It is a beautiful event; all are welcome and there is no charge or commercial activities at all. It does involve a ferry ride…with the first leaving from Pier 33 in San Francisco at 4:15am! Afterwards, take a long nap and maybe have nachos for dinner. It’s an experience you will be truly grateful for!”
Laura Lee:
“Coming from South Africa where Thanksgiving of course is not observed, during the first few years here, Geoff and I were the “orphans” that new friends, or friends of friends, would invite to join in the festivities. It soon became a running joke that the real reason we were invited was to ensure that family members were on their best behavior, since of course, one does not wish to air any dirty laundry outside of the family. The upside of all of this is that Geoff and I ate well, increased our circle of friends, and hopefully were instrumental in reminding folks of why they come together to celebrate Thanksgiving in the first place. It is an opportunity for us to embrace all that is good within ourselves and this world, and to share that with others.”
Melanie:
“This Thanksgiving I’m going to make two new plant-based desserts on a “crisp” theme: Cranberry-Orange-Pear Granola Crisp and Pumpkin Cranberry Spice Crisp…and then we will follow it up with a post-dinner hike.”
Ja`ire:
“This Thanksgiving is extra special for our family; it’s my husband’s favorite holiday and our 8-month-old’s very first one. We’re continuing our tradition of a big family sleepover with the kids, some grandparents, and our siblings, filled with cooking, laughter, music, and all the holiday cheer. I’m really looking forward to slowing down and soaking it all in this year.”
Stef:
“Pretty turkey-centric here. My plan, as it has been for the past few years, is for me and my Tupperware collection to join my friend Kathy’s family for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in San Pablo. It’s a long feast that usually includes a post-dinner activity of helping pick apart the turkey remains into leftovers and turkey broth ingredients, and filling to-go containers. I always leave with a substantial haul that lasts me several days!”
Kas:
For me, the best Thanksgivings are when I can convince friends and family to add a little non-traditional flavor to the holiday. Meal-wise, I recommend grilling a spatchcock heritage turkey (or parts); and keeping the meal to those core dishes that make for the best leftovers (and least amount of food waste). My absolute favorite leftovers include turkey pot pie and turkey soup. Activity-wise, I recommend opting out of a formal dining room and opting into either camping or a potluck picnic!
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