As Christmas is swiftly approaching, it seems fitting to share with you some of my Christmas traditions.

Nearly every year on Christmas Eve, my father would prepare some delicious seafood gumbo served over rice. It was always heavy on the shrimp and lump crab meat, and due to my complaints, not so heavy on the oysters. Believe it or not, it does get cold in the South and the warmth of that gumbo always was a comfort.

And with that cold weather Daddy would make a fire in the fireplace - sometimes with wood and other times with Duraflame logs. Regardless, we were blessed with a cozy setting.

Also on Christmas Eve, our family would listen to the reading of the "Cajun Night Before Christmas" story. [Hint: For family and friends who read this blog - I would love to have this book and/or audio cassette of the reading] I have embedded the video of the story being read in New Orleans, so you can enjoy it too. I shared this video recently with my new blogging friend, Greta at KissMyGumbo.com, as she is a transplant to New Orleans and is learning about Louisiana culture.




Afterwards, we opened presents as a family. Santa Claus came on Christmas morning, so we opened our gifts the night before. If I'm a good girl, sometimes Santa still fills my stocking with little gifts.

Often we would drive around the neighborhoods in our community, gazing at the Christmas decorations. For many years, one of our neighbors had one of the most visited homes by thousands annually, just for a glimpse of all of their animated lights and figures. It was definitely a display worthy of ooh's and ahh's.

On Christmas Day, my mom creates a feast worthy of some kind of Betty Crocker award. And if I'm lucky my mom lets me help. She is definitely a one-cook-in-the-kitchen at a time chef, so sometimes sharing with the cooking responsibilities becomes a battle. [Note: My mom reads this blog and I know when she reads this part, she will laugh. She would probably say this is an understatement of her "Kitchen Nazi" behavior.]

We have always managed to celebrate the real Reason for the Season - the birth of Jesus. Sometimes we did this by participating in church events or through the playing of and singing of Christmas carols (my personal favorites - Away in a Manger and The First Noel). We always thanked God for our many blessings before our meal by saying grace.

Sadly, this will be the first Christmas without my father, but we will do our best to celebrate his life and his strength by maintaining these traditions and remembering all those special moments we had. This is the best way we can honor Dad and we are comforted by the knowledge that he is now with his Savior.

Here are some family photos I found from some old 35mm slides I scanned. They aren't the best picture quality but they are rich with love.

Daddy's Little Girl

What little girl's Christmas is complete without a stuffed pink pig and a red wagon?

Uh-oh. Some assembly may be required. Daddy to the rescue.

Santa delivered the goodies (gumballs) in my stocking.

Now, I want to hear about your Christmas traditions and family's holiday celebrations. What is something you can't imagine living without during Christmas? What makes it special for you and yours?