San Antonio tamale traditions spark debates

We asked you for your hottest takes when it comes to the holiday tamale season. Here's what you had to say.

In response to a question about ketchup on tamales, reader Carol B. says: "What?!! Don't California my tamales!! What's wrong with salsa?!?"

• We tend to agree, Carol.

Reader Daniel B. says: "My wife's family eats their tamales wrapped in a slice of white bread. I never heard or seen this, is this a thing?"

• Daniel, this is a thing: it's known as a torta de tamal.

Last but not least, San Antonio Poet Laureate Eddie Vega shared some verse as a gift to send us off. Here's a section of it:

Forget the Winter Wonderland, to me

Christmas is about tamales and buñuelos and posadas

abuelitas complaining about abuelitos and abuelitos snoring in easy chairs

...

A Christmas party that starts around noon and lasts until New Year's

where it's not unusual that entrees come off the grill

and there's tamales

and sides of Taco Cabana rice and potato salad from Bill Miller

with a styrofoam cup of frijoles a la charra as an appetizer

and late night menudo with a side of --- tamales