What are your favorite holiday traditions, John? As a kid I loved dressing up and performing in our school concerts. I may not be the best singer, but I've always been an enthusiastic one!

But one of my very favorite holiday traditions in Texas, and one that's lasted for my family through the years, is making tamales on Christmas Eve. Like a lot of my favorite Texas food traditions (looking at you, breakfast tacos), having tamales for Christmas comes from Mexico, and it's a true example of the blended culture of our state. 

Making tamales is no easy task, and most families don't even have a written recipe – it's simply learned and passed down over time from generation to generation. As a kid, I learned from my grandmother when my mom and I would spend the holidays down in Brownsville. It takes all day, but that's part of the fun: It brings the whole family together, and I swear you can taste the hard work and care in every delicious bite.

Part of the reason tamales are a Christmas tradition is because most working families don't have the time to make them every day. Growing up with a single mom who took on extra jobs to make ends meet, our typical weeknight meal was ramen noodles – quick, cheap, and easy. But that's what made tamales at Christmastime so special. 

This is the Texas that I'm fighting for. Hardworking families, caring communities, and blended cultures that together make up a strong and special place. Ted Cruz has spent his time in the Senate creating division, pushing dangerous extremism, and abandoning Texans when we need him most. If you're ready to help me bring real leadership to Texas, I'm humbly asking you to support my campaign before the end of the year. →

Thank you for being a part of my team. Wishing you and your family a warm and wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely,

Colin