Holiday Traditions:

This is a quote from my M.F.A. thesis paper,
THE BORDERLINE BETWEEN THE PERSONAL AND POLITICAL,
"Identifying myself as Xicana is one thing, but keeping culture alive is another. U.S. culture encourages assimilation and downplaying of our native culture. For me negotiating my identity as an American and honoring my roots is a balance which requires consideration and practice. There are many issues that are relevant to this balancing act, including but not limited to religion, celebrations, household maintenance, language, and motherhood."

Holiday traditions to continue next year:

• Tamales!!
• Polveron cookies.
• Putting the baby Jesus down on Christmas Eve.
• Rosca and putting the three Kings on the Nativity scene on January 6
• Attending the Posadas and children's Mass.
• Getting in the car and going to see the X-mas lights display in Harlingen.
• Buñuelos and firecrackers on New Years Eve. 

I would like to note that balancing career and family is tough.  The holidays are stressful times.  Some years we've hit every thing on this list and sometimes life happens.  Believe me, I am so over the superwoman thing.  As long as I'm enjoying my family,  not making them miserable, and explaining the reasons behind the traditions are what is important to me.  But having some goals to aspire to helps the continuity of tradition and is great motivation.  Children love traditions, especially ones that are tailored just for your family, it makes your house a home.