How I Holiday: Aditi Mayer
In this series, we ask some of our favorite people to tell us about traditions old, new and adapted to fit their unique approach to the holiday season.
In our last installment of the season, we chat with Aditi Mayer (@aditimayer) about being a first-generation kid, cooking seasonally and nesting. Aditi is a Los Angeles-based visual storyteller and activist whose work explores the intersections of style, sustainability and social justice.
Q:
What’s your most special holiday memory or tradition?
A:
Being first generation, the fall and winter months were laced with festivities that ranged from Diwali to Christmas. My elder cousins made it a point to bring the family together on Christmas through a game of Secret Santa, which frames some of my favorite childhood memories—think gag gifts all around, and so much laughter and bonding.
Q:
How are you setting the table and planning the menu this holiday season?
A:
There are two things that are informing my cooking lately—a love for seasonality and a love for culture. I'm making it a point to learn traditional South Asian dishes from my mother recently, and trying my best to source ingredients that are in season from my garden. Many South Asian dishes are based with what we call "tarka," an Indian cooking technique of tempering spices in oil, supplemented with grated onions, garlic and ginger, and chopped tomatoes. With such a flavorful base, adding seasonal ingredients is easy.
Q:
What’s one detail that means a lot to you at this time of year?
A:
Nesting and community. I've just gotten back from traveling abroad for 6 months non-stop, so my appreciation for home is more than ever. It's important for me to divorce the holiday season from consumption, and rather, focus on community.
Q:
What’s your favorite quiet moment of the season?
A:
I feel as though the holiday season is best framed by a series of quiet moments—the chill crisp in the air, the scent of a burning candle, the normalization of rest during the holiday break. I love all those things.
Q:
My top holiday entertaining + sustainability tip:
A:
If you don't already, make it a point to try composting your food waste. I personally trench compost, which helps regenerate my garden's soil!
