Christmas tamales: Shoppers wait in line for masa in Downey

'Tis the season for tamales: Families scramble for masa

In a very Los Angeles-esque fashion, a long line wrapped around a market in the Downey area as families scramble for masa, the main ingredient for tamales.

DOWNEY, Calif. - It's almost that special times of year!

With Christmas just days away, some are preparing to make traditional foods to celebrate the holiday.

Picking up masa for Christmas tamales

The first person started waiting in line at midnight.

Picking up masa from Christmas tamales in Downey

A long line was seen forming in Downey as people line up to pick up masa to make the traditional Christmas tamales.

On Thursday, a long line was seen wrapping around a market in Downey, with some shoppers waiting for hours to buy fresh masa, the main ingredient for tamales, a beloved holiday staple in Los Angeles and beyond.