Lubbock Thanksgiving Sparks Debate Over Taking Home Leftovers

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving here in Lubbock, you already know the drill: hours in the kitchen, endless Market Street runs, a fridge that’s working overtime, and at least one relative who keeps asking, “Is the turkey done yet?” But this year, there’s something new to look out for--and it’s not whether the rolls burn.

It’s leftover drama. And apparently, the internet has STRONG feelings about it.

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When “No Thanks” Turns Into a Thanksgiving Showdown

A guy recently posted online about a Thanksgiving gone awkward. He and his girlfriend visited her family for the big meal. Everything was great--the food, the company, the classic post-meal nap vibes.

Then came 'The Moment': His girlfriend’s mom insisted they take home way more leftovers than they wanted. He politely said no. She insisted. He said no again. She insisted harder.

READ MORE: Get Ready Lubbock, Thanksgiving Expenses Are Soaring In 2025

Finally, he snapped a little and said, “I said NO. Please respect that.”
And the room got real quiet, real fast.

People online weren’t debating whether leftovers are good (of course they are-- especially here in West Texas). The debate was over how to refuse them without making the whole house feel like someone just dropped the cranberry sauce on the floor.

Lubbock Etiquette: How to Avoid a Leftover War

The internet’s verdict? There’s no perfect solution--only ways to avoid turning your Thanksgiving into a moment the family brings up for the next 20 years.

If you don’t want leftovers as a guest, the internet says you can decline--once.
If they push again? Try these:

• “I wouldn’t have space in the fridge.”

• “We won’t have time to eat it before it spoils.”

• “I don’t want it to go to waste.”

If they still insist? The consensus is simple:

Just take the leftovers.

Do something else with them later--repurpose them, give them to a neighbor, or, worst case, let them go quietly into the trash. What you don’t do is kick off a family argument in front of the sweet potato pie.

Because in Lubbock, we’re raised to accept food--sometimes aggressively offered food. Saying no repeatedly can be seen as rude--even if you mean well.

Final Word From Lubbock

Thanksgiving leftovers are practically a love language in West Texas. So whether you’re hosting in Lubbock or just showing up hungry, remember: the easiest way to keep the peace is to smile, say thank you--and take the dang Tupperware.

READ MORE: Thanksgiving 'Would You Rather?': Lubbock’s Take on Turkey Day Traditions

(There is one more solution: just invite ME to your Thanksgiving! I love leftovers more than the actual meal. Turkey? Yes. Stuffing? Absolutely. Random casserole your aunt swears is “famous”? Load me up. I’m basically a to-go box with legs.)

(But keep that 1950s Jell-O salad far, far away from me. I won’t have room for it-- emotionally or physically--and I’d hate for it to go to waste by me launching it into the sun.)