Tamales, Traditions, and the Ties That Bind: How Holidays Shape My Passion for Culture

Growing up, Christmas meant a road trip to McAllen, Texas, where my mom was raised. We stayed at my grandparents’ modest home—the same home where my mom lived with her six siblings. Those visits were filled with traditions that I hold close to my heart to this day.

Our holiday visits always included stops at my mom’s Tías and Tíos' houses. At every home, we were greeted with freshly made tamales and pan de polvo, the flaky cinnamon cookies that tasted like a warm hug. And no trip to McAllen was complete without tacos from our family’s favorite spot, El Pato. I loved the warm, sunny days, the palm trees, and Feliz Navidad playing on the raido. Some years, my aunts, uncles, and cousins would join us in the Valley for even bigger celebrations.

These trips weren’t just holidays; they were opportunities to immerse myself in my family’s culture. The smells, tastes, sounds, and stories shared around crowded kitchen tables left a lasting impression on me. As I grew older, my curiosity about culture only deepened—starting with my own family’s traditions and expanding to other cultures. This curiosity eventually led me to study cultural anthropology in college and graduate school, where I learned how culture shapes not only families but also communities and organizations.

Today, my passion for culture has evolved into helping companies build meaningful workplace cultures. I believe that when people feel connected and valued, they thrive—and so do their organizations.

As the holidays approach, I’m reminded of the importance of connection, tradition, and respect for the diverse ways we celebrate. These values guide me in both my personal life and my work.

This year, I’m looking forward to spending time with my daughter, who’s home for the holidays after her first semester in Florida State University’s First Year Abroad program in Valencia, Spain. We kicked off her visit with a trip to our local mercado to gather ingredients for tamales—a tradition I learned from my mom that I’m committed to keeping alive for generations to come.

For me, making tamales isn’t just about food; it’s about connection. It’s about sharing stories, laughter, and a sense of belonging. And it’s a reminder that culture, at its core, is what brings people together.

What holiday traditions do you share with your family? Whether it’s a special recipe, a unique way of decorating, or simply gathering with loved ones, I’d love to hear what makes this season meaningful to you.

Wishing you and yours a joyful and restful holiday season!