Christmas New Orleans Style
Louisiana Holiday Traditions
Every part of the world has it's Holiday Traditions. But for post Katrina New Orleans, LA, many of these traditions are just fond memories. For many native New Orleanians a part of their history was washed away on that famous day in late August, 2005.
My husband was born in New Orleans and I have family roots there, too. Together, with this lens, we hope to bring back some of the memories of those Christmases past. You'll find Celebration in the Oaks, Fires on the Levee, Benny Grunch, holiday foods and also links to plenty of Louisiana products and food baskets (including Mr. Bingle) that would make unique holiday gifts.
Christmas in New Orleans
was filled with Family, Fun, Food, Music, Majesty and Reverence.
New Orleans Christmas Memories
Let us go back to the 1950s through the 1980s when life was simple and the songs were about love in this great city on the Mississippi River. Christmas was a magical time and Canal Street was the center of that magic. Stores like Goudchaux's and Maison Blanche decked out their windows with colorful displays. Mr. Bingle, the funny little snowman with the ice cream cone hat was on every child's mind. Christmas dinner was a true feast, with several generations of families in attendance. My husband's Mother was Italian and Irish and the feasts that she prepared would put some chefs to shame.
There was something magical about Christmas in New Orleans. Whether it was the lighting displays in the park and later in the 1990s at the home of Al Copeland (Popeye's Chicken), the Christmas on the Bayou boat parade or the bonfires on the levee, the multicultural population made the Holiday celebration exceptional.
Al Copeland's Famous Christmas Light Display
The lovely lights in City Park.
Celebration in the Oaks
New Orleans City Park
Some of the popular events of Christmas in the Oaks include: T-Rex, the popular raptors. These are part of the Dinobration exhibit, a crowd favorite since 2003. Also new are the Very Merry Maze, a dancing light show, and a snow machine that will keep Mr. Bingle chilled with hourly snow showers. Of course, the fabled Carousel will be operational, complete with new lighting and music, and the train will take patrons on an enchanted journey highlighted by an electrifying light display along City Park Avenue. A rich tradition is New Orleans' signature, and nowhere is that tradition more evident than during the Christmas season at Celebration in the Oaks. Join us as we continue to rebuild our great city and share in the joy and spirit of our 24th annual Celebration.
Good Food - Holiday Feast
The delicious holiday dinner menu that Dottie Bordelon usually prepared.
Roasted Turkey or Baked Ham
Cranberry Sauce
Sweet Potatoes (with little marshmallows on top)
Italian Salad
Twisted Italian Bread with poppy seeds (Usually from Gambino's Bakery.)
Mr. Bingle Jingle
Jingle, Jangle, Jingle, here comes Mr. Bingle...
with another message from Kris Kringle.
Time to launch the Christmas Season,
Maison Blanche makes Christmas pleasin.'
Gifts galore for you to see,
each a gem from... MB."
Mr. Bingle YouTube Vid
Fleur de Guardian
Lift Up Your Voices
New Orleans, Birthplace of Jazz and a Multitude of Talented Musicians.
Benny Grunch's 12 Yats of Christmas Video
New Orleans, a Unique City
New Orleans is unique to say the least. This primarily Catholic city has been a melting pot for many cultures for many years, dating back to before the Louisiana Purchase. The French and Spanish influence is still evident in the architecture and customs. Because of this, New Orleans and most of South Louisiana is set apart from the rest of the state. It is almost as if there are 2 very different states. Holiday celebrations are steeped in and influenced by the traditions of the European ethnic groups, including French, Acadian (Cajun), Spanish, Italian, Irish, German, Creole, African-American and several other groups that settled there.
Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Mississippi River Levee
Here's the list. It's official - 10 ways that you know it's Christmas in New Orleans.
More About New Orleans Holidays
- Louisiana Holiday Feast
Louisiana Thanksgiving and Christmas foods vary greatly from North Louisiana to the southern part of the state. Here you'll find recipes and holiday customs from both regions. - Louisiana Seafood Diet
Down here in Louisiana, we usually eat all the food that we see, but that's not exactly what this lens is about. Food from the sea and local waters, including fish, shrimp, crabs, oysters and crawfish are popular all year long, but especially on the. - Apple Recipes from New Orleans
New Orleans recipes for fall favorites including apple pie, cobbler, applesauce cake and baked apples plus stories about fall in New Orleans in the fifties and sixties.
© 2008 Yvonne L B
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sounds like a lovely Christmas.
Beautiful holiday lens!
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I have never visited New Orleans but would love to one day. Great to learn about their Christmas traditions.
It's been many a year since I was last in New Orleans. You've done a great job on capturing the spirit of this city.
It is always nice to get to know different traditions. This lens shows in a beautiful way the traditions of celebrating Christmas in New Orleans. Welcome to the Christmas Decorations group.
Welcome to The Totally Awesome Lenses Group.
Lizzy
I congratulate you on making such a positive lens about a great holiday in a city that has been struck by tragedy. This kind of positivity helps in so many ways.
I went to New Orleans in 2002 pre-Katrina, but I'd love to make the visit down there again someday. Excellent work here!
Beautiful lens. Part of the joy of Christmas is sharing family traditions.
Lizzy
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