Keeping Holiday Traditions During This Untraditional Year

By Sarah Zubiate
Founder and Farmer at ZUBI’S

As we all are aware, COVID-times and large holiday gatherings do not “jive” together, but nothing will stop my love of holiday traditions — beautiful decorations, family staple meals, and quality time with family, celebrating the real reason for the season.

This December seems to be moving quickly and is proving to be busier than normal — family life, business life, school life, etc. — things are hectic, but my assistant and I found time and a little “relief” decorating both my Dallas home and our East Texas Ranch Home. During most years I rely on a wonderful holiday design team to decorate, yet this year we are trying to eliminate unnecessary interactions with unknown people (if at all possible), and as we know, this time of year makes it rather challenging.

Decking The Halls Made Easier

Through the years, I have acquired tons of Christmas decorations — many that are family staples, such as our large Santa sleigh with reindeer, a statue that closely resembles our pup, Scraps, and several nativity sets. But of course, I love looking for new decorations to suit each year’s particular theme.

Rather than going to the Dallas Design Market Center, this year my assistant and I visited Canton’s First Monday, and boy, did we find fabulous decorations to complement the staples that fill our home (FYI: Cabella a Casa and Rose of Sharon are incredible!). While First Monday has already happened for this month, be sure to check it out during next year’s holiday season! 

Trimming Trees at Two Homes

Now on to one of my favorite Christmas traditions — the tree! In both our homes, our living room areas have tremendously high ceilings, so of course each year, we search for an extremely tall, beautiful tree.

This year – remember I’m doing the decorating myself — the 18-foot tree was a stressful, daunting sight, but with some Christmas music, wine, and food, we successfully decorated the tree.

I am so pleased with how well it all turned out, and thankful that these traditions are intact no matter the situation.

The Power of Food Traditions

Speaking of traditions, as my previous columns reference, I am fueled and driven by the power of food — and of course, during the holidays, I love to whip up traditional family meals.

Growing up in the “West Texas town of El Paso,” beans and queso were always part of our family’s Christmas setup. Through the years, I have taken this family tradition and adapted it to include my company ZUBI’S products.

It’s simple and easy, and truly delicious —  fry some black beans, spread onto bread (or without if you’re watching carbs!), and top it with my plant-based queso. And of course, pair it with a lovely red wine. I guarantee you will love me for this cozy and guilt-free recipe.

While this year has not been “traditional,” I hope you find comfort and peace this holiday season! 

ZUBI’S Black Bean Recipe

1 cup black beans 
Fry in 1 T olive oil
Mash together with 1-2 tsp garlic salt
3 T ZUBI’S salsa
3 T red wine (add more or less if desired)

Optional Serving: spread over toast with ZUBI’S organic, plant based queso drizzled over and chopped jalapeños sprinkled on top.