Owen Thiele Is a Holiday "Pick-Me," and He's Fine With That

In Owen Thiele's perfect world, he's throwing a huge holiday bash for both his immediate family and his chosen family - all together. While the thought of mixing social and personal spheres is enough to send some into an anxious peppermint-flavored spiral, the actor and podcast host is all about blurring the lines. Especially during the holidays, when everyone wants a piece of your time and attention. "I love bringing people together, sorry," he tells Popsugar. Sue him.

He knows he's lucky to have strong relationships with both family and friends, and that spending time with them - either in a big group or individually - never feels like a chore.

But for those who are less fortunate - for whom the holidays bring a distinct kind of dread - Thiele has a message, too. In partnership with Baileys Irish Cream and New York City's Funny Face Bakery, he launched a holiday-themed cookie pack called "Swap the Small Talk," designed to deflect those awkward end-of-year questions ("How's the job search going?" "When are we getting grandkids?") with a witty one-liner paired with each cookie. How thoughtful.

Ahead of the holiday rush, we chatted with the "Adults" star and Los Angeles native about staying grounded during this most busy season, forcing his childhood BFF and his new BFF, Emma Chamberlain, to hang out, the worst gift he's ever received, and who will be in his wedding party (no, he's not getting married, stop asking, Grandma).

Photo credit: Oscar Ouk

Popsugar: What's the worst breed of holiday small talk?
Owen Thiele: I hate prescriptive small talk, I hate when a family member tells you what they think you should be doing, especially when they haven't done what they should be doing. I would advise that they drink some Baileys and sit down on the couch and take a load off.

PS: Any tips on how to survive those awkward moments?
OT: I would try to steer the conversation the way I want. I would take charge . . . Or let's just play some games. Let's play charades.

PS: What's the most memorable holiday party you've ever gone to?
OT: Every year, my aunt has this Christmas Eve party and we just sit around the piano and sing, and it's the sweetest, most wholesome night of the year for me. Also, I snuck into Seth MacFarlane's holiday party once. Well, I was technically invited, but he doesn't know me so I consider it sneaking in. It was so much fun. I've never had more fun in my life. It was everyone who I've ever looked up to in a room. It was so intimidating to walk into. I had a little liquid courage and I went and danced the night away.

PS: What's your take on hosting during the holiday season? Does it excite you, is it a nightmare, or a little mix of both?
OT: Love it. I like steering the boat. If I'm the host, I get to play Sabrina Carpenter's "Fruitcake," I get to have the party favors be Rhode, I get to have the Baileys out, I get to do it my way and no one can say anything.

PS: The holidays are always framed as a time to connect with family, but what about friends and chosen families? What role do those relationships play in your ideal holiday setup?
OT: My ideal holiday setup has both my family and my chosen family. I speak to my best friends every single day, like every two hours. We're constantly talking in a group chat or FaceTiming, and sometimes we'll add my mom into the group chat too. We're all very close. My dream is to have a huge party with my immediate family and my chosen family, both childhood and newer friends. The other day I had dinner with one of my oldest best friends and my newest best friend, Emma Chamberlain. I don't know if they had fun but I had the most fun in my entire life. Somebody I've known forever who I love so deeply, who will be in my wedding party, and then Emma who will also be in my wedding party. That's a dream, getting two parts of my life together. I love bringing people together, sorry.

PS: That doesn't make you anxious, the worlds colliding?
OT: Most people want to keep things separate, which makes sense, your work and your personal life, etc. But for me, because I love everyone so deeply, I think if I love them they should love each other. I'm not afraid to bring them together.

PS: Do you have a holiday gifting philosophy?
OT: I'm a big gift-giver, which sounds so much like a pick-me but I do love giving gifts. My favorite thing (that's definitely pick-me) is hearing a friend or family member say how they want something and then you get it for them. You become Santa. It's such a joy. That's my favorite part of the holiday.

PS: What's the best gift you've ever received and also the worst?
OT: My mom and I have matching necklaces, which might seem weird and codependent, and it is. We wear them every single day. That was the best. The worst gift was from my cousin - she knew I liked tuna salad, so she got me tuna cans. I thought it was a bit, but it wasn't. That to me is like coal. Canned fish.

PS: Do you have any advice on tending to your friendships during the super busy holiday season?
OT: Even though I love my family and friends, the holiday season is still tough. It just brings up a lot of things and you're suddenly uncovering parts of yourself while listening to "Santa's Coming to Town" walking through The Grove and crying. I think the first step during the holiday season is taking care of yourself. This holiday season I am going to pamper myself and give myself some extra love. Take it easy. Don't people-please. If anyone's mad at you, check back in January.