Bowen Yang Reveals ‘Chaotic’ SNL Holiday Party Tradition Started by Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant: ‘It’s a Mess’ (Exclusive)

Bowen Yang shares how Saturday night live cast decks of 30 Rock Hall — with “trash” — during the holiday season.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE to promote his Las Culturistas Pinterest gift guide, the 34-year-old comedian reveals that co-stars Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant are the masterminds behind the show’s long-standing holiday party tradition.

While the group was doing a Secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange to celebrate, people’s feelings would be hurt, which led to the change, Yang says. “Because people said, ‘Oh, I ended up with a bad one, and this person got a good one.’ And that’s how Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon handled it in their early days,” he explains.

From left: Kenan Thompson, Aidy Bryant, John Mulaney, Kate McKinnon, Bowen Yang and Heidi Gardner in ‘SNL’ skit.

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“And then they threw what’s called a trash party, which is [when] everyone — after reading The Christmas Play, the last reading of the year — you’re just contributing something to the trash fun. So it’s like a cookie instead of a gift,” Yang continues.

As he describes the accident, it is a situation where anything is possible. “People will buy 20 cheeseburgers from Shake Shack, or bring Jello cups from home, or bring 30 little Funko Pops for people to take home,” he tells PEOPLE. “Everybody’s just collecting their weird, random contributions basically.”

Yang says the “chaotic diner” is a rare opportunity for the hard-working cast to relax and have fun together. “It’s our one moment of relaxation outside of the afterparty, which is hard to come by. It’s hard for us all to be in the same place at the same time, because not everyone goes to the afterparty, and people are tired, and that’s a big request,” he explains.

“But I think the trash party is our big tradition that we keep going, and that’s all thanks to Kate and Aidy,” Yang adds.

The party is being held in the Writers’ Room at NBC’s headquarters at 30 Rockefeller Center in New York. “We go up to the offices and turn off the lights. We get party lights. It’s going to be like somebody’s contribution is going to be a karaoke machine, and it’s a mess, and it’s so much fun,” notes Yang.

Bowen Yang.

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The Wicked star also spoke to PEOPLE about how Lorne Michaels, SNLCreator and executive producer, he enjoys playing Santa during the holidays and handing out sweet gifts to everyone.

“I think part of his love language is giving, giving anything and everything. Every year he’ll give you a birthday present. And for Christmas he’ll give you jams and jams from his farm, and it’s the most delicious raspberry jam you’ve ever had. I’m happy every year. My mouth is watering,” says Yang.

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“It’s a wonderful group gift that he gives to everyone and everyone is delighted, really,” he continues. “Everyone is really excited to get the jams every year.”

For Yang, the holidays are always a favorite time of the year, especially during the day SNL set.

“I love SNL during holidays. It’s a good vibe and I hope people feel that way,” he says.

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Source: HIS Education