Bowen Yang is spilling behind-the-scene details of Saturday Night Live’s holiday tradition—including creator Lorne Michaels’ signature holiday gift to the show’s cast.
Yang shared with People that the cast eagerly anticipates the yearly “garbage party,” which happens directly after their read-through for SNL‘s Christmas episode, as well as a sweet treat from Michaels.
“He will give you preserves and jams from his farm, and it’s the most delicious raspberry jam you’ve ever eaten,” Yang told People. “I look forward to it every year. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. That’s the lovely group gift that he gives everybody, and everyone’s thrilled, truly. Everyone’s truly psyched to get the jams every year.”
Noting that Michaels is also keen to give the cast members birthday presents, Yang remarked, “I think part of his love language is gift gifting.”
However, SNL‘s most beloved holiday tradition might just be its annual “garbage party,” which Yang described as an alternative to Secret Santa cooked up by former cast members Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon.
“It’s like a potluck instead of a gift-giving thing,” Yang told People. “People will buy 20 cheeseburgers from Shake Shack, or you bring Jello shots from home, or you bring 30 Funko Pops for people to take home. It’s everyone just culls together their weird, most random contributions essentially.”
As for why it’s called a “garbage party,” Yang explained “because it’s a chaotic potluck.” He added, “It’s so fun. [It’s] our big tradition that we uphold, and that’s all thanks to Kate and Aidy.”
SNL‘s last episode ahead of its mid-season holiday hiatus aired on Saturday night, with comedian Martin Short hosting and singer Hozier as the musical guest.
