Holiday traditions. We all have them. And like so many important life moments, these events are shaped and influenced by particular dishes and symbolic ingredients. These foods and flavors define our celebrations, adding layers of spice to the memories we take from them.

I spoke with a number of friends and heroes of mine about the significance of food and its role in holiday traditions. We chatted about how traditions are indelibly shaped by a mishmash of family, friends, and dishes. We explored the importance of symbolism and recipes, as well as how we use each of these to reflect on our own history and narratives. And in a world that feels as divided as ever, it never ceases to amaze me how food can bridge even the widest gaps.