Christmas isn’tjust a holiday,it’saspirit that embodies the best of human nature: Generosity, goodwill, community concern and peace. There are many more tangible aspects, though, including these treats for the eye. Our photographers captured seasonal décor at homes around the metro area.
Dec.25(it’s both ChristmasDay andthe beginning of Hanukkah)ishere, andcelebrations andspecial events arestill goingon. Getout and dosomething special nowifyou don’t want to be a Scrooge. More events around the metroareaare listed on Page 2G.
1. CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS: Theholiday lights festival has driving and walking tours through Jan. 3, starting weeknights at 6p.m. and Fridayand Saturdaynights at 5p.m. Dasher Passes allowthose on driving tours to skip the line, and combined ratesfor walking and driving tours are available. Driving tours startat$7for bikes and $20 for cars.Walking tours startat$20. CelebrationInTheOaks.com.
2. KENNER CHRISTMAS VILLAGE: Heritage Park willbelit for theholiday nightly through Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Visitors to the park, 2015 Fourth St. in Kenner, can viewthe festival displays and shop local vendorson weekends; children can playinthe sudsy “snow” that will blanketthe park.Aholiday-themed
musical laser light showplays in the Kenner Planetariumand MegadomeCinemaacross the streetonFridayand Saturdayat7 p.m. www visitjeffersonparish.com
3. CHRISTMAS IN LAFRENIERE PARK: The light displaycontinues through Dec. 30 at the park, 3000Downs Blvd. in Metairie. Displays include alighted60-foot sea serpent in the lagoon. Admission pervehicle is $10 in advance or $15 at the gate;credit and debit cards only.Hours are Sunday to Thursday, 5:30 p.m.to9 p.m.; Fridayand Saturday,5:30 p.m.to10p.m. lafrenierepark.org
4. NOLACHRISTMASFEST: Tickets are on sale for the indoor Christmas festival, scheduled through Dec.30atthe NewOrleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center,900 Convention Center Blvd.The event includes livemusic, visits with Santa, an ice-skating rink, ice bocce, rides and more.Tickets startat$25. Hours most days are 3:30 p.m. to 9p.m. nolachristmasfest.com
5:30 p.m to9:30 p.m. through Dec. 26 (except Christmas Day) at Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Road in Destrehan. Activities include games, Christmas caroling and a quarter-mile walking tour through 5acres of oak trees with light displays.Tickets are$5, with children 4and under free. gnotrc.org. POLAR EXPRESS TRAINRIDE: The recreation of the classic children’s story on boardan actual train will be available through Jan. 1atNew Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, 1001 Loyola Ave. in New Orleans. Passengers will receive hot chocolate and cookies, a reading of the story, caroling and avisit from Santa. Tickets start at $42 and include specific departuretimes. www.nolathepolarexpressride.com.
TEDDYBEAR PROGRAM: Arnaud’s Restaurant will host ateddy bear drivebenefiting the community and the New Orleans Police Department whose officers will keep the bears in their vehiclestodistribute to children who have been traumatized. Through Dec. 31, Arnaud’s customers can donate at the restaurant, 813 Bienville St. in New Orleans, MondaythroughSaturday, 5:30 p.m. to 9p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m Other New Orleans locations arethe Energy Centre, 1100 PoydrasSt.; New Orleans & Company, 2020 St. Charles Ave.; NOPJF Headquarters, 320 Metairie-Hammond Highway Suite 500; or NOPD Headquarters, 1615 Poydras St. www. arnaudsrestaurant.com.
CREOLE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY HOME TOUR: Friendsofthe Cabildo will sponsor atourof historic Vieux Carrepropertiesadorned in traditional
Creole Christmas finery befitting the time andstyle of eachhistoric residence on Dec. 27-29,10a.m. to3 p.m. Historic housesinclude BK House,Gallier House, Hermann-Grima House,1850 House, Historic NewOrleans Collection andSpringFiesta Tickets start at $40 on Eventbrite. www.friendsofthecabildo.org.
HOLIDAY CAMPS PEACWINTERCAMP: Kids ages 3-8 can spendthe break engaged in arts and crafts, cooking,games, gross motor and sensory exploration atthe Center for Behavior, Language &Learning,3923 Bienville St. in NewOrleans,
on Dec. 26, 27, 30, 31. Camp runs 9a.m. to 2p.m. (Dec. 31, 9a.m. to noon). Cost is $395. www.cranerehabpediatrics. com
WINTER CAMP AT CASCADE STABLES: Cascade Stables at Audubon Park will hold camp at 3526 Upperline St. in New Orleans on Dec. 26, 27, 30, Jan. 2and 3, 9a.m. to 3p.m. Activities mayinclude riding, grooming, tacking, horse and equipment care, games, crafts and horsemanship skills. Cost is $85 per day. www.cascadestables.net
KIDCAM HOLIDAY CAMP: Kidcam Camps will hold awinter break camp for boys and girls
5-13 through Jan. 3, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at AuroraUnited
Methodist in Algiers, 3300 Eton St. in New Orleans. Rates start at $50 per day, with multiple-child discounts. www.kidcamcamp.com
WINTER HOLIDAY CAMP: East Jefferson YMCA, 6691 Riverside DriveinMetairie, will sponsor camp days through Dec. 27, 9a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration starts at $100 per day. www.ymcaneworleans. org
COZY CAMP: Louisiana Children’s Museum, located in City Park, 15 Henry Thomas DriveinNew Orleans, will hold aholidaycamp for kids 4and up through Jan 3, 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Campers will learn about howanimals staywarm in the winter
hownaturechanges during this time and howtostay cozy with friends and family through traditions, celebrations, stories, art and play. Registration starts at $65. lcm.org
SCHOOL’S OUT CAMP: Longue VueHouse and Garden, 7Bamboo Road in New Orleans, will hold acamp for students 5-10 years old during the holidayschool break, Dec. 30 to Jan. 3, 8a.m. to 3p.m. Campers will learn about nature-themed crafts, gardening techniques and get to explorethe interactive Discovery Garden. Cost starts at $65. longuevue.com
WINTER CAMP: Audubon Institute will host school
Here’s howto keep them safe
in theNew Year.Here are some waystohelp dothat.
NewYear’s fireworks are fun for people, but not for pets. Here’show to keep them safe. As we get closer to ringing in the New Year,fireworks will start popping off in our communities. Fireworks are frightening to some animals and can cause them to go into flight mode because they want to run away from the loud bangs, booms and bright flashes of lights. This is why we see so many lost pets following New Year’sEve festivities.
Even animals that normally are tolerant of lights or loud sounds such as lightning and thunder can become anxious when they hearfireworks. Dogs will jump over,dig under or even bust through fences and may run out of open doors. If there is away to escape, fearful pets will find away to do it.
Dogs experiencing fireworks-induced anxiety mayshow it in avariety of ways. It’simportant to recognize the signs that a pet may be feeling stressed, including panting, shaking, pacing, hiding, trying to escape, whining or barking, decreased appetite, drooling, accidents in the house, dilated pupils or wide eyes and vomiting.
Every year,Iwrite about fireworks because every year without fail, my social networks are flooded with posts of lost and found animals on Jan. 1. Let’smake 2025 different and help reduce the number of lost pets as we ring
1. LEAVE PETS AT HOME: It is never agood idea to take the dog to afireworksdisplayortohave them outside when setting offfireworks. Even for dogsthat are not scared, somehave been known to chase and try to catch fireworks and, as aresult, can beseriously injured
2. KEEP PETS INSIDE: Provide petswith asafe, quiet and secure area within the house. This is especially important if no onewill be home with thepet.Turning up thetelevision or radio to helpbuffer the noisefrom outside will also help minimize stress. Afun chew toy or Kongfilled with a yummy treat can also be a greatdistraction
3. START NOW: Fireworks often start popping afew days before and last several days after NewYear’sEve. It is best to start taking extra precautions now by adjusting the regularroutines. Doubleleash thedogs for walks. Use aharness for extra security.Walk into theyard with thepets, even if theyard is secure. If adog is nervous, hewill likely avoid going outside once thefestivities have started,somakesure all potty breaks are taken before the action begins.
4. PROPERIDIS IMPORTANT: Makesure pets are always wearingcollars and ID tags with up-to-date information.Thisisagood time get thepets microchipped and registered withyour current contact information. My dog, Stewie, is17 years old andalsowearsan air tag for an extra level of security because heisdeaf and losinghis eyesight.
5. PICK UPDEBRIS: Afterthe celebrationscometoan end,check the yard forfirework debris so petsdonot ingest anything they aren’t supposed to.
Herb Jones is ayoung male cat. ‘Suave,’ ‘charming,’ and ‘fun’ are all adjectives he embraces. He’ll be great withother cats or kids. He’ll fitinseamlessly with your team.Tolearnmore, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans.org
6.TALK TO YOUR VET: In severe cases, seek advice from a veterinarian for thebest plan of action to reduce pet anxiety. The last thing anyone wants is for adog in distress to be roaming the streets.
Events
DEC. 28: PetsmartHome for theHolidays adoption event takes place from noon to 4p.m. at 6851 Veterans Blvd.,Metairie. Meet adoptable puppies and dogs from ARNO. All approved adopters will receive acoupon book from Petsmart. For moreinfo, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is thevolunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans, anonprofit, volunteerbased, no-kill shelter For more information on ARNO, visit www animalrescueneworleans. org.
Saints linebacker Demario Davis and his mother,Sue Davis, visited the Good Shepherd School in New Orleans recently fora book fair andschoolassemblythat recognized high-achieving readers from every grade. Demario Daviswas theassembly speaker and was among representatives from Ochsner,abook fair sponsor,and the Saints whoread aloud to students. In an amusing juxtaposition, the 235-pound, 6’2” All Pro tackler read abook called “ScaredyCat!” aPete theCat book for early readers. Threehundred bookswere donatedto the school’slibrary and each student had theopportunitytopickout three books, free of charge, to take home.
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Laura Pagoaga has been selected as the Jefferson Parish Library’s2024 Employee of the Year.She’sworked for Jefferson Parish for 25 years,and for 10 of those years have been with the library
She started working for the parish while in highschool and came back in 2015 as alibrary associate. She trained at the Old Metairie Library,but most of her professional career has occurred at the East Bank RegionalLibraryand the North Kenner Library —where she is now
Here’s some of what she had to say abouther job.
Whydoyou likeworking at North Kenner?
“It’smyneighborhood.I like to feel that Icontributetomycommunity with the work we provide at the library.”
What are the things you liketodoinyour job?
“I like knowing that we make a difference, from helping someone
fill out ajob application, submit paperworkfor their insurance after anatural disaster,help akid with an assignment or their summer reading list, or to justshow someone how to print areturn label.”
Do you speak other languages?
“Yes, I’m fluent in Spanish. It is veryhelpful to help the Spanishspeaking community in their na-
PROVIDED PHOTO
Laura Pagoagaisthe Jefferson ParishLibrary’semployeeofthe year
tivelanguageithelps so manyto feel more comfortable.”
Youare an associate.Doyou plan to geta librarydegree?
“I am not sure what the future will be for me, but there is apossibility that as my daughter gets older,Icould goback to school.”
How do you feel aboutco-workers?
“I have beensoblessed to have great co-workers past and present. That makes the difference when coming to work.”
Do you feel yourworkatthe library is moreofa career insteadofjust ajob?
“Yes, being apublic servant is
morethan just ajob, and once you find satisfaction in helping others it becomes part of you.”
GREATBOOKS: Themembersofthe
Great BooksDiscussion Group have madetheir reading selectionsfor the first half of 2025. The group, which meets at theEast BankRegional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, has chosen thefollowing:
n Jan. 21: “The Loved One” by Evelyn Waugh
n Feb.18: “Agnes Grey” by Charlotte Bronte
n March 18: “Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole n April 15: “WeWere the Lucky Ones” by Georgia Hunter
n May 20: “Oldest LivingConfederate Widow Tells All” by Allan Gurganus
n June 24: “My Brilliant Friend” by Elena Ferrante.
Meetings are at 7p.m. For more information,contact librarian Gwen Kelley,atgkelley@jplibrary.net.
Here are somebook club meetings coming up in January: n “Ring Shout” by P. Djeli Clark: 12:30 p.m. Jan. 4, Rosedale Library,4036 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson.
n “The Berry Pickers” by Amanda Peters: 2p.m. Jan. 8, Old Metairie Library,2350 Metairie Road,Old Metairie Sci-Fi and FantasyDiscussion Group.
n Any Book Club –Contemporary: 6p.m. Jan. 8, Jane O’Brien Chatelain West BankRegional Library,2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey
n “The Charterhouse of Parma” by Stendhal:7p.m. Jan. 13, East BankRegional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. French Lit Discuss Group —Members read thefirst half, or about 200 pages.
n “Sometimes ILie” by Alice Feeney:2p.m. Jan. 19, Old Metairie Library,2350 Metairie Road. Old MetairieMystery Book Club.
n “First Lie Wins” by Ashley Elston: 1to2:30 p.m.Jan. 21, Gretna Library,102 Willow Dr Gretna.
n “Horse” by Geraldine Brooks: 2:30 p.m. Jan. 21, River Ridge Library,8825 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge. Jefferson Highway Book Club.
n “The Stranger” by Harlan Coben: 2p.m., Jan. 23, Old Metairie Library,2350 Metairie Road, Old Metairie.
n “The Loved One” by Evelyn Waugh: 7p.m. Jan. 27, East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Great Books DiscussionGroup. GOOD NEWS: GenZers —born between 1997and 2012, and Millennials —born in the early 1980s and the late 1990s, are using public libraries, both in person and digitally,athigher rates compared to older generations, according to areport from the American Library Association.
The report and survey data show that 54% of GenZand Millennials visited aphysical library within the previous 12 months. Of the2,075 Gen Zand Millennials surveyed in 2022, morethan
half whoself-reported visiting aphysical library said they also borrowed from alibrary’sdigital collection.
The data also revealed younger American’sdistinct preference forphysical versions of books —survey respondents read and bought on average twice as many print books per month as any other category
More than half of the 43% of GenZand Millennials whodon’t self-identifyasreaders have been to their local library in the past 12 months.
Other findings: n Younger library users view the library as aplace to “sample” materials, supplementing and informing their purchases and paid subscriptions of books, information and media.
n Members of the survey cohorts whoalso identifyasBlack, Indigenous or people of color are moreimpacted by wait times for digital materials; moreBlack and Latinx GenZand Millennials report using digital collections than the general survey population.
n Seventy-fivepercent of Gen Zand Millennial physical library patrons believe alibrary wait of one weekorless is “long.”
“The good newsisthat younger generations are reading books, buying books and visiting libraries,” says Jessica Styons, director of the Jefferson Parish Library
ChrisSmith is manager of adult programming at theJefferson Parish Public Library
MetairieWoman’sClubheldits Christmas in October fundraiser,withproceeds benefiting their community service projects, Angel’sPlace, CASA, HeartNHands and the MWCCollegeScholarship Fund. Committee members, from left, are Rubye NobleEvans, Darlene Cavalier, Linda Deichmann, CindyGaric, President Melissa Monaghan, Yvonne Perret and FreddieLandry.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Staff report
St. Mary’sAcademy in New Orleans has received a$50,000 donation dedicatedtoits math lab. The gift from Antoine and Carol Jupiter Garibaldi will underwriteacomplete makeover of the lab, which is designedtopromotestudent attitudes around the subject and advance the math departmentoverall. The math lab is opentostudentsingrades 4-12 and offersanarray of tools and support to enhance learning experiences. It provides peer-to-peer tutoring,SAT prep anda collection of curated practice materials for personalized teacher-student sessions
The lab is equipped withcutting-edge technology,including computers with specialized software, state-of-the-art graphing calculators and interactive e-boards.
Lelani Perriatt is math lab adviser,and PamelaRogersispresident of St.Mary’s Academy.
Antoine Garibaldi,anative New Orleanian, attended St. Augustine High School, received adoctorate in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota andwent on to serve as an administrator at Xavier University of Louisianaand as presidentofUniversity of DetroitMercy He and his wife, Carol Jupiter Garibaldi, live in Detroit.
