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Travel & Experiences

Louisiana holiday: Open doors and fires in the bayous

Denise Hymel holds a plate of meat, just part of the huge feast she and her family prepare each December. She welcomes hundreds of people into her home each year during a Christmas Eve open house.

Denise Hymel holds a plate of meat, just part of the huge feast she and her family prepare each December. She welcomes hundreds of people into her home each year during a Christmas Eve open house.  (Jay Jones / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Tribune

From food to friendly strangers, Louisiana lights the place up with merriment each year for the holidays

Almost ready to burn

Reginald Fluence, left, and Derrick Woodly work on the construction of a log cabin. The structure would become one of the dozens of bonfires to be lit on Christmas Eve in Louisiana’s river parishes.  (Jay Jones / Chicago Tribune)

Papa Noel

In Cajun country, Santa Claus – known as Papa Noel – travels in a rowboat drawn by alligators, as shown in this display outside a tavern in Paulina, La.  (Jay Jones / Chicago Tribune)

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