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ESSAY
My favorite family tradition and why it’s special to me
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As I sit here thinking about my favorite family tradition, a warm feeling spreads through my heart. It’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations, and one that I look forward to every year with great anticipation. It’s the tradition of making tamales together as a family.
Every year, on the first Sunday of December, my family gathers at my grandparents’ house to make tamales. It’s a day filled with laughter, love, and delicious food. We spend the entire day in the kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of masa harina and spices, carefully wrapping each tamale with precision and care.
This tradition is special to me because it’s a time when our family comes together to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a tradition that transcends generations, and one that I hope to pass down to my own children and grandchildren one day.
For me, making tamales is more than just a fun activity; it’s a way to connect with my heritage and cultural roots. Our tamale-making tradition is deeply rooted in our Mexican culture, and it’s a way for us to honor our ancestors and keep their traditions alive.
As we work together in the kitchen, we share stories and memories of past tamale-making sessions, laughing and reminiscing about the good times we’ve had. My siblings and I were always fascinated by the way our abuela would expertly wrap each tamale with her skilled hands, creating perfect little bundles of joy. We would watch in awe as she carefully placed each tamale in a steamer basket, filling the kitchen with the savory aroma of pork, chicken, and spices.
As we grew older, we began to take on more responsibility in the tamale-making process. My siblings and I would help prepare the masa harina mixture, carefully measuring out the right amount of water and kneading it until it reached the perfect consistency. We would also help fill the tamales with our favorite fillings – pork, chicken, or vegetarian options for those who preferred.
But what makes this tradition truly special is the sense of love and unity it brings to our family. We don’t just make tamales for ourselves; we make them for others too. We package them up beautifully and give them away as gifts to friends, neighbors, and even our church community. It’s a way for us to spread love and kindness throughout our community.
As we sit around the table enjoying our freshly made tamales with a steaming hot cup of atole (a traditional Mexican drink made from cornmeal), I am filled with gratitude for this beloved tradition. It’s a reminder that family is not just about blood ties; it’s about creating memories and experiences that bring us closer together.
In conclusion, making tamales is more than just a fun activity; it’s a way for us to connect with our heritage, create memories, and spread love and kindness throughout our community. It’s a tradition that will continue to bring our family closer together for generations to come.
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