Celebrate Big, Live Loud: Building a Life That’s Unmistakably Yours

Most people don’t know this, but my house runs on two languages, four kids, and one very Mexican wife who keeps all of us in line. We’ve got triplets, two boys and a girl, and then another girl. All of them speak Spanish. Half of my life is “sí, papi,” the other half is “what do you want for dinner, honey?”

Everything in our house has a Mexican flavor to it. Even our Santa isn’t the standard North Pole model. Ours looks like he just finished a mariachi set and he’s carrying maracas. And yes, before you ask, I love maracas. Big ones. Don’t judge me.

Christmas is where it gets really fun. If you didn’t grow up around Mexican traditions, some of it looks wild. There’s the piñata theology lesson, the midnight dinners, the fireworks, and my personal favorite: Baby Jesus and His Fully Customizable Outfit Collection.

I’m telling you, the wardrobe is intense. Think Malibu Barbie, Holiday Barbie, ER Trauma Nurse Barbie, ‘70s Swinger Ken… except it’s Niño Dios. You want Him in a doctor’s coat? They’ve got it. A tiny red cape? Done. Shoes? Multiple pairs. Americans look at this like, “Uh… what is happening?”

Here’s what’s happening: they are enjoying their fucking lives. It's a celebration. Culture. Family. Color. And zero need to ask anyone’s permission.

It always cracks me up how weirded out people get when Mexicans do something differently than Americans. Like, what is it hurting you? Relax. Life is already tough enough.

And honestly, the older I get, the less patience I have for pretending. Whether it’s growing my hair out, rocking shoes that look like they escaped from a Broadway musical, or raising my kids in two cultures, I’m going to do whatever the hell I want. Not to offend anyone. Just because I’m done living by committee.

Business gets brutal. Life gets heavy. You’re going to walk through seasons that test everything you’ve got. So when you get the chance to celebrate…celebrate big. Do things your way. Add color. Add spice. Add whatever makes your life feel like it actually belongs to you.

Because you only get one shot at this. Make it unmistakably yours.