The holiday season is especially meant for children, good food and excellent company.  All of which I immersed myself into with indulgent pleasure yesterday.  Surrounded by happy, healthy, well-fed little kids brings a special joy to my heart and makes me yearn for my own grandchildren so very far away celebrating in their own homes with family and friends.  I miss you all very much.  The pictures above take me back to my own boyhood, celebrating with my extended family in similar Hispanic fashion: Tamales steaming on an open fire,  laughter, everyone busy preparing food, gossiping, cooking and eating.  The kids all underfoot.  This special scene is repeated all over Spanish-Speaking America.  Hundreds of millions of families sharing a common bond and an ancient heritage veiled in the indigenous mists of time.