Product Description
Christmas in New Orleans - New from Peggy Scott Laborde and John Magill
Magnolia leaves and Spanish moss elegantly adorn homes along St. Charles Avenue while glowing lights drape from one lamppost to the next on Canal Street. A flurry of last-minute shoppers fills the French Market, and a merry Mr. Bingle, with his wings of holly, beams from the store window of Maison Blanche. These are the collective memories of Christmas in New Orleans.
From the festivities of yesteryear, revolving around religion and faith, to today's events, such as City Park's Celebration in the Oaks, New Orleanians observe Christmas with an inimitable style. Late-night feasts, or reveillons, and rare occurrences of a winter-white Christmas are just a couple of nostalgic moments readers may stumble upon while perusing the pictures and warm recollections of notable locals, including Irma Thomas, Anne Rice, and Deacon John Moore.
In a celebration that has become as unique as the city itself, the images of a Christmas in New Orleans are classic and unforgettable. Descriptions of merriment, dating from the 1800s to post-Katrina, delicious recipes from Chef John Besh, bonfires along the levees, and the seasonal melodies of a city world renowned for its music are presented in this brilliant volume.
Peggy Scott Laborde is the host and producer of Steppin' Out, a WYES public television series that highlights the arts and entertainment scene in New Orleans. She has produced a number of documentaries featuring New Orleans culture and history. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Laborde is actively involved in community revitalization and conservation. She is the author of Pelican's Canal Street: New Orleans' Great Wide Way, which she coauthored with John Magill. She lives in New Orleans.
John Magill is the curator at The Historic New Orleans Collection. He is also the head of research services and the reading room at the Williams Research Center. Magill earned both his B.A. and M.A. in history from the University of New Orleans. His writing has been published in New Orleans Magazine, Louisiana Cultural Vistas, and The Historic New Orleans Collection Quarterly. He resides in New Orleans.
Hardcover; 240 pages