[StBernard] Reflections on the magic of the holiday season in Louisiana - A column by Governor Kathleen Babineau

[Westley Annis]

Reflections on the magic of the holiday season in Louisiana
A column by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco


We have reached that special time of year when faith, family, tradition, and joy unite us. I send my blessing to you and your family during this holiday season and I offer glad tidings to your loved ones, both near and far. 

The holidays are filled with treasured moments made even more special by family. The anticipation of being with family and friends to share traditions has always been the cornerstone of my holiday celebrations. My home will be overrun by my eight grandchildren as our family comes together to celebrate one of the greatest seasons of the year. We will eat butter brickle candy, a special family recipe; share gifts, and head to Cameron Parish for our traditional family holiday duck hunt.

In Louisiana, the holiday season is highlighted by several unique celebrations and traditions shared across our state. Children take to the levees and light the way for Papa Noel before heading home to open presents on Christmas Day. Some families join together each night to light their Menorahs while others gather around an Advent wreath. Churches celebrate the principles of Kwanzaa and Christianity as citizens throughout Louisiana engage in their respective holiday traditions. 

But no matter how varied the details, family and togetherness have always been the centerpieces of the holidays in Louisiana. 

We celebrate this time of togetherness through our special traditions, food and most importantly, our people. The main streets of small towns become aglow with angels, reindeer and jingle bells. We take the time make our gumbo roux from scratch. Front yards become decorated with plastic alligators wearing Santa Claus hats and children from Shreveport to South Lafourche offer their prayers for snow. Though we may be short on snow and high on humidity, the holidays are still a blessed time in Louisiana. 

As I sit around the Christmas tree with my family, I pause to remember those Louisianans who can not be here to share in our joy. I join you in praying for those we have lost. We pray for the safe return of our Louisiana sons and daughters who are away fighting for our freedoms. And we pray together for our fellow Louisianans who are still trying to come back home to reunite with family members and loved ones.

Louisiana stands proud as we move into the New Year. We will count our blessings from the past year and look forward to blessings that will be bestowed upon our great state in the days and months ahead. We will continue to work with individuals throughout the state, country and world to build a more prosperous Louisiana. We will use the lessons learned from the past year to continue on our path to progress. 

May God bless you and those you love during this sacred holiday season.


RECIPE: Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco's Butter Brickle Candy
<http://www.gov.state.la.us/index.cfm?md=newsroom&tmp=detail&articleID=2441> 
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