CARBS ARE CULTURE

And we’re craving potatoes.

BRAND SIGNAL

What’s the deal with Thanksgiving Turkey? Somehow it became the mascot of America’s most carb-forward holiday.

Turkey is fine. It’s a comforting anchor. But we’re all here for the sides.

The sides are the differentiators. They’re more exciting and, arguably more delicious. People notice the sides. We talk about the sides. We crave the sides. We compare them from house to house.

The sides don’t take as long to cook, and they’re usually less costly too. But they add the finesse to an otherwise basic meal.

That’s the accessory market in a nutshell.

Humans love accessories. We love the little things that make the big thing feel personal. It’s not uncommon for accessories to become as big and creative, if not more than, the thing itself.

Crocs are naked without charms these days.

Stanley cups have straw toppers, similar charms to crocs, cross-body straps, and tons of color-matching accessories.

Smartphones have cases, headphones, MagSafe wallets, mounts, ring lights, cables, tripods, and more. (Worldwide, the mobile accessory market is approaching $90B, with a third of that in the US alone)

Cars are no different. The JEEP brand following is built on accessories and customizing each vehicle to be a unique reflection of its drivers.

Even a new home is just another model without personalized furnishings and decor.

Materialistic? Maybe. But accessories make things ours.

We have a strange fascination with all the little things that make the big things feel personal. They add identity. They add story. They just make life more interesting and all our own.

The sides are the culture.

So even if we all show up for the main, it’s the side dishes, the accessories, the add-ons… they’re the reason we stick around and keep coming back for seconds.

This holiday season, watch what ends up on your family’s wish list. Chances are, it won’t be the turkey.

Until then, pass the tamale stuffing.

GO TIME

Thanksgiving small talk. For people with awkward families. Or anyone who hates trying to think of something interesting to say because the silence is D E A F E N I N G !

Ever get nervous or anxious when you’re on the way to a big friend or family gathering? It’s a hugely relatable feeling.

But don’t fret. We’re here to help those nerves be calm as a tryptophan hangover because the easiest way to engage with little effort is to treat your family like a focus group.

Sounds so loving, doesn’t it?

But it is. All you have to do is ask a good question that anyone in the room would be happy to answer. And then encourage it.

That means less talking for you, and as a bonus, it means you care enough to listen to interesting stories and opinions.

Those who listen are well-liked for good reason.

So go ahead, ask people about their travels, or their favorite new restaurant, or what new music they’re listening to, or what they think about anything other than inflation. Whatever it is you care about, get the room talking.

We’re all in this whole holiday thing together. The least we can do is keep it interesting and maybe even learn a few things in the process.

The silence can always wait.

Happy Thanksgiving from our families to yours. Now go get those carbs.

YOUR TAKEAWAY

Eat sides. Accessorize.
And don’t be shy.
You ol’ Turkey.