There is no snow, the grass is still green but the calendar insists that it is December — this is Christmastime in Louisiana.
Once twinkling outdoor lights begin to appear in our neighborhoods, we enter into the spirit of joy with our community. It is amazing that we welcome the same holiday stories, the same Yuletide music and still look forward to hearing them.
The time has come to pull down those noisy attic stairs and climb up to retrieve all the ornaments, ceramic Santas and tinsel needed to decorate our houses. The old crèche set is a family treasure. Even though one of the figures, a shepherd, has only one arm and one of the sheep is missing a leg, it will still have a place of honor near our Christmas tree.
How enchanting it is to decorate our homes with the variety of fresh greenery available in our area. Glossy dark green magnolia leaves, scented bright green pine branches, sprays of red holly berries with their jagged green leaves and chocolate brown pinecones. They’re all beautiful and plentiful. Many of the fir trees that we use as Christmas trees will have traveled many miles to get to us. The very idea of bringing an entire, live tree inside our living space is an outlandish but exciting.
Christmas was not always peaceful within our household of two adults, seven children and two cats. Stuff happens! Like the time when, just before guests were to arrive for our annual extended family gathering, the electric meter partially fell off our house, leaving us without electricity. There were no lights, no oven to cook in, and teenage girls needing hair dryers. Thanks to an electrician willing to work on Christmas Eve, we regained electric power. For a short while, we were in panic mode.
During Yuletide, the kitchen is one of the busiest places with all the holiday food preparation. The kitchen delivers delicious aromas as well as joyous noises throughout the house. What will the entrée be, tender pork roast or perhaps the customary roast turkey? Whatever is decided upon, it will be preceded by a cup of steaming gumbo with rice and followed with a cup of rich, hot Louisiana coffee.
Here in south Louisiana, tradition plays an important part in our lives and Christmastime presents us with a unique legacy. On Christmas Eve, we look forward to the arrival of Papa Noel or Father Christmas to town by placing great, bright bonfires along the top of the levees bordering the Mississippi River. Participating family groups begin building their bonfire creations weeks ahead. What an enchanting sight it is to see the winter darkness speckled by blazing fires lighting the way for miles along both sides of our great river.
What a wonderful time of the year. All the colors, lights, sounds and traditions of the season fill our hearts with love and happiness. Each Christmas brings new memories to treasure. Bon Noël! Merry Christmas!
— Bergeron lives in Baton Rouge.
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