by Ellen Byron
New Orleans never met a holiday it didn’t embrace with irrepressible fervor, and Christmas is no exception. The city’s iconic iron galleries glow with holiday light displays. Poinsettias decorate courtyard fountains. Historic Garden District mansions sport decorations and garlands. Even the streetcars wear cheery Christmas wreaths. I’ve been lucky to spend a few holiday seasons in the City that Care Forgot, but they’re few and far between. That’s why I’ve turned to needlepoint, my favorite hobby, to at least give me the feeling of the Big Easy in my own holiday decorations.
I’ve stitched ornaments that celebrate the city and others that are specific to the state. I’m particularly fond of the peacock and the alligator ornament because each depicts a “spirit animal” for one of my series. The gator represents the Cajun Country Mysteries, while peacocks Gumbo and Jambalaya rule the roost of Bon Vee Culinary House Museum in the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries.
I’ve also stitched general NOLA-themed pieces that decorate the display I’ve created in our hallway. The makeshift diorama is year round except for December when I sub in holiday decorations. My favorite item in the display is the streetcar I stitched. Someday I’ll needlepoint one of the glorious homes on St. Charles Avenue and make it look like the streetcar is trundling past it!
I don’t solely stitch New Orleans and Louisiana needlepoints. My ornaments cover a wide range of memories. Lately, I’ve even added stitched homages to California and my Golden Motel Mystery series, like a California mini stocking and a goofy bear. Three guesses what the spirit animal is for this series, wink wink.
Using a craft you love is a wonderful way to “craft” memories for generations to come. As they say in New Orleans, “Merry Christmas, y’all!”
ABOUT ELLEN BYRON
Ellen is a bestselling author, Anthony nominee, and recipient of multiple Agatha and Lefty awards for her Cajun Country Mysteries, Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, Catering Hall Mysteries (as Maria DiRico), and Golden Motel Mysteries. She is also an award-winning playwright and non-award-winning writer of TV hits like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents, but considers her most impressive achievement working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart. Visit her at http://www.ellenbyron.com/.
