Last week this blog commented on this Christmas being the 75th anniversary of the debut of Mr. Bingle, the elfin marionette snowman created by Maison Blanche
New Orleans is the only American city I know of that has its own Christmas character. There are competitors – Rudolph, the Grinch, that guy in red, Frosty –
Mr. Bingle is celebrating his 75th anniversary this holiday season. And New Orleans is still as infatuated with the little fella as when he was created in 1947 maybe more. Local adoration endures for the mischievous little puppet, an iconic symbol of our childhoods and of our parents and grandparents. Newcomers to the city […]
My New Orleans
12/21/2020
New Orleans celebrates Christmas pretty much like any other American city, but it is in the nature of this city to never be totally normal; to be a bit quirky in whatever we do, and that includes the holidays. Here are three ways that we go dashing through the glow a little differently:
Revellions. This is a modern adaptation of an old Creole tradition, but at least it is uniquely ours. The original Réveillon was a special meal served after Christmas Eve midnight mass. That hearkened to the days when Catholics had strict fasting guidelines if they intended to receive communion at mass. The fasting was especially challenge for the midnight service not only because of the lateness of the hour but also because the masses, with their caroling, preaching, incense burning and long communion lines. By the time the church-goers went home they were craving food. The classic Réveillon, back then, was a hearty meal including meats, grillades and grits,