Being in Texas it is really traditional to have Tamales on Christmas Eve or even Christmas Day. I LOVE tamales, but have never tried to make them because of the time involved and the fact that I think it is something that has to be done with a group of people, like Grandmas, Sisters and Friends! Sure you can buy tamales but the bonding that takes place while you cook in the kitchen together I think is why people continue to make them at home.
Tamales have been traditional for Christmas Eve for centuries because they’re portable, easy to store and inexpensive to make for large gatherings like you would have this time of year.
My family is not from Texas originally and are not hispanic, so I did not grow up with the Tamale tradition although we have adopted it since living here. But there are dishes that I can’t make without thinking of my grandmother and vividly remembering making that very dish standing next to her in her kitchen. Broccoli Salad, Pizza Casserole, and Lemon BBQ Meatloaf just to name a few. When I make these recipes I can see and even smell her with me.
These memories are far more important to me than any gift I have ever been given, the memories themselves are the gift. I want to make sure that my kids and someday grandkids have these same memories, making the same foods, that I did with my Grandmother during the Holiday’s and all year long.
This year, grab your kids or nieces, nephews, cousins or maybe even your cat, dog or neighbor, and make some memories cooking traditional food in the kitchen and spending some time together eating and filling the house with good smells!
You can get a Tamale making tutorial HERE.
What are some traditional thing that you make with family, leave a recipe for us to try! What are some memories that you have?
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The resident Labradoodle, Miller got his name because Mom won and got to name the baby! Need something chewed up? He'll take care of it. Especially if it's expensive..
I make Tamales every year on Christmas Eve with my mother-in law, her sister, and my sister in-law. I dont always get along with my in-laws but this tradition always seems to get us together and talking again!
I grew up in San Antonio with all the religious and Mexican traditions. I am not Mexican, but the beauty of the culture just grows with you. If you have not been to San Antonio and walked the riverwalk and see how they prepare for the arrival of the Christ child you need to. Also go to the San Jose Mission you must take the children.
Oh Good idea, I love San Antonio at Christmas! I also love Fredricksburg, the lights are amazing!
Im 31,hisp and lived in Houston my whole life and my family always makes tamales Xmas Eve. My mom,3 sisters and myself are usually the ones that make a lot of them we always have to have some to freeze(they freeze well) after we eat some and other family stop by. The kids and guys help out here n there to! I also think the bonding and just all getting together is what i enjoy the most. I dont remember anything different as far as Xmas tradition and wouldnt change a thing!
I’m only half hispanic. But I remember every year before christmas for like 3 or 4 weeks straight, we would get together at my great uncles house and make tamales…all day long. I miss those days. since the older generation has passed on the tradition has been lost. We have made them with my mom and her brothers a few times since then, and are suppose to this year.
we have a family tradition (and non of us are hispanic!) for new years every year, we have “tamale day” at my house. all my in-laws (aunts, uncles, cousins, sil’s, usually about 30 people) come and bring ingredients and we spend ALL day from about 8am-10pm making and steaming them. we usually end up with 60-70 DOZEN and everyone takes home what they want and leaves the rest. hubby and i end up freezing about 20 dozen or more and they last all year! we try all sorts of recipes, but chicken and pork are our fav’s. this year we are going to try a dessert one maybe! it’s so fun! (and messy!)
I don’t have my husband’s family with us to help make tamales & my girls are young. I live in the Conroe area…does anyone know where I can get a good tamale that is close to the real thing? I’d love to have some for the new year.