Anna Monica / L’Observateur / December 20, 2000

So it must be Christmas! With all the red and green around it has to be; with all the reindeer and Christmas trains and sleighs in the yard it has to be; with all the lights lighting up the nights it has to be; and with the people crowding into the stores it certainly has to be. It happens every year, and even thoughthe routine of presents and parties remains the same we never tire of it.

There is magic about Christmas.

Now speaking of lights, it was the reason I took my little 4-year-old friend, Taylor Martin, great-granddaughter of my neighbor, Gloria Borne, to the Contreras home after church one evening. Glen and Judy have been delightingfriends, neighbors and spectators, especially children, with a terrific display of lights at Christmas for at least 18 years. Taylor was in awe as she ranfrom object to object in the Contreras yard and then at the Christmas village when invited into the Contreras home.

Besides the village there was a collection of dancing musical Santas, dolls and one-of-a-kind Christmas musical objects on display in the house. Judy lovesshowing off her collection in which she takes great pride. When we got there,she, Glen and their daughters Nina and Sadie were at work adding more lights.

Even though Nina no longer lives there she comes over to help decorate.

That’s a good thing because the Contreras put up a multitude of lights and figures for the season.

The family is pleased when people enjoy the lights and decorations at their home on Garyville Northern in Garyville. They especially want to please thechildren who really look forward to the decorations the Contreras put out each year for Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Judy says “the kids on theschool bus get so excited” and that is rewarding to them. Usually, before thedecorations are up, they are asking about it. Glen and Judy share theenthusiasm and hard work in decorating, and Glen says they are already thinking about their Easter project. They are rewarded by the appreciationand enjoyment of the community.

To me, Christmas lights symbolize hope in a country like ours. In spite of theunrest in the world, in spite of our own personal problems and in spite of the uncertainties and unprecedented, historical presidential election results we have just lived through, Christmas still comes through, overshadowing all obstacles. It’s like magic, I believe. Regardless of religious orientation, thistime of year just creates a special atmosphere for all to enjoy or at least to indulge in good feelings.

My sister-in-law, Linda, and her sister, Lanie Brock, are now the owners of Cajun Kitchen in Gramercy. Natives of St James Parish, they enjoy theinteraction with the community they grew up in and last weekend shared their hospitality with the community by inviting Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus totheir restaurant and the public to visit with them and their elves. Childrenhad their pictures taken with Santa and staff, and each received a bag of candy. Adults got to register for a grand prize, and the afternoon filled withwarmth.

It is really worth the effort to drive around the River Parishes and see the beautiful lighting displays. And, if you are in Garyville as I am, make sure yousee the Contreras home and Timbermill Subdivision, where it almost looks like the neighbors had an agreement to truly show Christmas spirit.

Merry Christmas, readers and friends. For all of you of all faiths, may theseason bring you truly special tidings of great joy. Even if you are hurting,and I know first-hand what that is at Christmas, my wish for you is that you do experience a special peace of mind and hope in your hearts at this time.

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