HOUSTON — Local families are starting to make tamales for Christmas. It’s a tradition for many to host a tamalada, or a tamal-making party, with friends and family.
For the Mendoza family, the tradition started many decades ago.
"It has been a tradition in my family. We would always do it on the 24th with my family and my siblings," Minerva Mendoza said.
Now, Mendoza does her annual tamal-making party with her children and grandchildren.
"We are basic, the meat is pork shoulder roast. I cook it ahead of time," Mendoza said.
The meat gets prepared the night before, but on the day of the tamalada, her loved ones gather around the dining room table and start spreading the tamales.
Even though some tamales might not look perfect, it's not really about that, it’s about the time spent around the table.
"It’s such a warm, loving feeling to see your children and now their children involved in it. It’s just beautiful," Mendoza said.