While Christmas meals in American households vary by culture, taste, and preference, in many homes tamales are a holiday favorite. Each year these families come together for a tamalada, which is a tamale-making party. Those unfamiliar with this tradition may wonder why anyone would eat tamales for Christmas. If you're thinking the same thing, here's why many people continue to include tamales as part of their holiday meals.

1. It’s a Time-honored Tradition

Tamales have been a staple in Mexican culture for centuries. Their origins can be traced back to Mesoamerica and they were eaten during the times of the Aztecs, Mayans and Olmecs. Since tamales were portable food, they were often used to feed men when they were away for battle or on hunting trips. Tamales were also regarded as sacred food for the gods and eaten on special occasions.

Over the centuries, as people moved and traveled around the world, they took tamales with them. They also continued to eat them on special occasions and holidays, especially Christmas. This is a deep-rooted tradition in the homes of many Mexican families. It has also become a part of the culture in other regions, including South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

2. It’s a Reason for Families To Get Together

Tamales represent the coming together of family members who gather around to make and eat them. They're easy to make, but when fixed traditionally, they can be very time-consuming. That's what makes them so special during the holidays. It gives families more time to spend together as they talk, prepare and eat tamales on Christmas.

Those away from home during this time often miss being a part of this special time and eating some great-tasting tamales. That's why at XLNT Foods, we've made our tamales available in local stores so everyone can enjoy a good tamale during the holidays.  

3. Tamales Taste Good

Tamales are a comforting and delicious food and they're usually filled with meat such as beef, chicken or pork. To put them together, a corn flour dough called masa is spread onto a corn husk or banana leaf, before adding shredded meat, fruit, cheese, or any other filling of choice. Then they're wrapped, steamed and ready to eat once they have a moist but firm texture.

People enjoy tamales because they taste good. They can also be refrigerated for up to three days once they're cooked. This makes them a great meal to enjoy throughout the Christmas season. For many people, Christmas just wouldn't be the same without eating tamales. 

Tamales on Christmas Is for Everyone

Tamales are a delicious dish that can be eaten year-round. What makes them special during the holidays is preparing and eating them with family and friends. It's also a tradition that anyone can be a part of no matter where they live.

If you want to try this tradition and eat tamales on Christmas, check out our online store. You can also use the store locator to find out where to purchase them near you.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamale

https://themazatlanpost.com/2018/12/18/why-do-mexicans-eat-tamales-on-christmas/