A version in Cajun dialect of the famous poem "The Night Before Christmas," set in a Louisiana bayou.

Paul writes a letter home each of the twelve days he spends exploring Louisiana at Christmastime, as his cousin Rosalie shows him everything from a pelican in a cypress tree to twelve sparkly strands of Mardi Gras beads. Includes facts about Louisiana.

Around the world Santa Claus has many names. But in a deep, swampy bayou of Louisiana, he's known as Papa Noël. In such a hot and humid place, there can be no sleds or reindeer, so Papa Noël rides the river in a boat that's pulled by eight alligators, with a snowy white one named Nicollette in the lead. On this particular Christmas Eve, it's so foggy on the river that even Nicollette's magical glowing-green eyes may not be enough to guide Papa Noël. The alligators are tired, grumpy and bruised from banging into cypress trees, and Papa is desperate to get all the gifts to the little children. Well, "quicker than a snake shimmies down the river," the clever Cajun people come up with a solution that saves the day. A colorfully inventive Christmas tale, Papa Noël is a lesson in fast thinking, as well as a witty introduction to a part of America that's rich in folklore and legend.

Follows Santa's cousin Calliope and her team of mermaid and sea life helpers as they prepare and deliver gifts to little mermaids around the world.

"Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, We were sticky and sweaty 'cause this is the South." This is how the night before Christmas begins in the South. The weather may be balmy sometimes, but Southerners can still put on a Christmas celebration like no other. No matter the weather or the state, there's no mistaking Santa loves the South. This fun, whimsically illustrated version of the traditional "Night Before Christmas" is perfect for families to read aloud at their annual celebrations. Merry Christmas, y'all! "As he flew overhead, he exclaimed in delight: 'Blessed Christmas to y'all and to y'all a good night!'" - 28 Pages

"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 inimitable style. Late-night feasts, or réveillions, and rare occurrences of a winter-white Christmas are jsut 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 Decon 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" -- inside cover.