In my family, we've had a holiday tradition of making tamales for as long as I can remember. My grandmother has aged and no longer holds the position of Reyna Tamalera (translation: Queen Tamale Maker), but my mother has stepped in. And the younger generations of our family are getting in on the action, too. My sister, cousins and I and now our children are now learning the tricks of the tamale making trade. Here's a video of my niece spreading the masa on the ojas.

Being around loved ones, celebrating life and each other is what the holidays are all about for me. I hope one day I will be the Queen Tamalera – surrounded by my children, grandchildren, and great–grandchildren.