Eating tamales on Christmas Eve has been a tradition for generations in many Latin American countries. In Mexico, the holiday is called "Nochebuena" and it is when families get together to share food and celebrate the upcoming holidays. Tamales are often served at this time because of their festive flavor and cultural significance. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of family, since they require multiple people to prepare them. Tamales are also believed to bring good luck and abundance for the upcoming year, which is why they are served on Christmas Eve.