Heaux, Heaux, Heaux!

Merry Christmas Eve greetings from Cajun Country!

We made our way safely to our holiday destination, Convent, Louisiana. We're parked here on the banks of the Mississippi River on the grounds of an old plantation. It's definitely shaping up to be a most memorable Christmas.

We toured the plantation house this morning. Late this afternoon we'll head down river a mile or so and partake in the Christmas Eve festivities. Here in St. James Parish, it's tradition to get together with your family and friends and build a bonfire structure along the river. This evening, the bonfires will be lit, and the food and beverage will abound.

The bonfires have an important job. As Louisiana legend has it, long ago on Christmas Eve a dense fog rolled into Southern Louisiana. The fog was so thick that Papa Noel and his pirogue pulled by eight alligators, Gaston, Tiboy, Pierre, Alcee, Ninette, Suzette, Celeste and Renee, couldn't make their way down the river. Papa Noel called on Nicolette, a snowy white alligator with glowing red eyes to lead the way, but it was still too difficult to see. But, the people of the river parishes saved the night by building bonfires along the river to guide Papa Noel along the way.

There's no fog in tonight's forecast. But, provided the rain holds off, an estimated 200 bonfires will be lit and bring the merriest of holidays in with a blaze.

We can't wait.

Wherever you find yourself welcoming Papa Noel, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. Best wishes from our rolling home to yours for a festive and fun-filled holiday.