You can always tell when it's a special occasion once that aroma hits. Its fills the air, infiltrates the scent receptors in your nostrils, and fills you with warmth on the inside. Growing up, I learned to associate the smell of tamales with a guaranteed pleasant time. They’re especially good during the cold winter months, during that one sacred week of Winter Break we get for the end-of-year holidays. One of my favorite memories growing up was waking up to the sight of snow. White, fluffy, and just before it turned into brown mush once people began walking on it. The cherry on top? Knowing that just in time for Christmas Eve, a nice dinner with my entire family, collectively enjoying the tamales we've prepped together during the day, was waiting for us to enjoy. 

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant