Point of Vue - December 2022

McElroy

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Real or fake tree?

EDITORIAL

Real tree!

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Fake! If you can kill a Christmas tree, I definitely would by accident. LOL!

Girl please. Fake all the way! No real popcorn, candy canes... nada.

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PEACE ON EARTH

Sometimes it’s hard to write my December column on Christmas in mid-November when it’s hot outside and no one has a tree up. Not this year! We are currently experiencing a little cold front that has us all bundled up! I started decorating for Christmas a little early this year, so my mantle and doors are already finished. My son is practicing for a choir concert, walking around singing “Feliz Navidad!” at the top of his lungs. Even my husband has started wearing his holiday socks to work! I think we are ready to swap to the Christmas music station and get the holiday season started off right!

While the Christmas songs we sing today often have to do with decking the halls, grandmas and reindeer, and wishing for snow, did you know there are four songs mentioned in the bible in the first two chapters of Luke, leading up to and celebrating the birth of Jesus? These songs are known as canticles. Mary sang a song to God after she realized was going to be the mother of the Savior. Simeon also had a song as did Zechariah. The one most will recognize is the song the angels sang to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Peace on Earth. The dictionary defines peace as “freedom from disturbance; tranquility.” Now that sounds like a dream! Peace comes in many forms,

especially once you begin to look at the word, how it is used, and how many times it appears in the bible! (One source says ‘peace’ appears 329 times in the Bible, with the highest occurrence of 30 in the book of Isaiah!)

My challenge to you this Christmas

Every December, we proudly bring you Home for the Holidays. This issue has taken on many forms over the years, as people welcome us into their homes to celebrate the holidays. This year, we share with you the home of John and Kacy Amador. Their home is beautifully decorated with a wonderful mix of new and old, mixing tradition with a more modern feel. Come Home for the Holidays beginning on page 10.

What would Christmas be without the jolliest of elves to help us with presents and decorating?

The main man behind the scenes, Nick J. Hebert, shares his story of his 20 years in the business of interiors, florals, events and more. A rare sight, appearing in front of the camera, Nick brings joy wherever he goes. Share in his happiness on page 18.

season is to find your peace. Whether it is spending time reading your bible and focusing on the songs of advent, or finding a quiet place to just relax and calm your mind, I hope you can find rest for your weary soul, and come to a place of peace.

Hope abounds in Houma as Hope Extreme provides for the educational, physical, and emotional needs of those who are marginalized and under-resourced. Through the guidance of executive director Tara Detiveaux, the programs offered help our children and their families to thrive in the communities on the eastside of Houma. Learn more about Hope Extreme and the amazing work they are doing on page 22.

I wish you and your family peace this holiday season. Merry Christmas! POV

We are committed to great beginnings.

Elena Mann, MD Natasha Goss, MD Kellin Reynolds, MD MD (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN)

At Ochsner, we know being pregnant is one of the most exciting times of your life and how important it is to find the right OB/GYN. Our physicians will make you feel at ease throughout all the stages of your pregnancy. In addition, Ochsner St. Anne o ers free prenatal classes, skin-to-skin after delivery, and breastfeeding support by a certified in-house Lactation registered nurse.

Elena Mann, MD Natasha Goss, MD Kellin Reynolds, MD MD (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN)

Charles Faucheux, MD (GYN)

At Ochsner, we know being pregnant is one of the most exciting times of your life and how important it is to find the right OB/GYN. Our physicians will make you feel at ease throughout all the stages of your pregnancy. In addition, Ochsner St. Anne o ers free prenatal classes, skin-to-skin after delivery, and breastfeeding support by a certified in-house Lactation registered nurse.

Locations:

Greg Morris, MD (OB/GYN)

Recognized as America’s Best Maternity Hospital 2022 by Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report, new moms will receive quality health care in an award winning environment. Now Open! Our “NEW” Family Birthing Center includes 6 luxurious private birthing suites. The new rooms o er a more home-like, comfortable setting with state-of-theart technology for monitoring mother and baby.

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Ochsner Women’s Health Center – Raceland 104 Acadia Park Drive Raceland, LA 70394 985.537.3211

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St. Charles Parish Hospital 1057 Paul Maillard Rd. | Luling, LA 70070 985-785-6242 Through MyOchsner, our online portal, you can schedule your next appointment and communicate with your OB at any time. Visit my.ochsner.org.

Ochsner Women’s Health Center – Raceland 104 Acadia Park Drive | Raceland, LA 70394 985-537-3211

you can schedule your next your OB at anytime.

Through MyOchsner, our online portal, you can schedule your next appointment and communicate with your OB at any time. Visit my.ochsner.org.

IT’S All ONLINE: With appointment and communicate with your Visit my.ochsner.org.

6:40 PM

Dr. Katherine Ayo-Rayburn

Dr. Gregory Morris Dr. Natasha Goss Dr. Kellin Reynolds

Dr. Katherine Ayo-Rayburn Dr. Gregory Morris Dr. Natasha Goss Dr. Kellin Reynolds

JULIANNA, 7

I would ask Santa for it to snow since it never snows in Houma.

RUSH, 4

My wish for South Louisiana is for everyone to have a big shark race track!

LANDRY KATE, 8

I wish Santa would help people learn to not litter South Louisiana!

WHITNEY, 5

I would ask Santa to give everyone a house, because not everyone has a house to live in and I love everyone.

LILLIAN, 6

I wish for a great speckled trout season!

BRADEN, 2

I wish for a slide big enough for South Louisiana!

If you could ask Santa to grant one wish to South Louisiana for Christmas what would it be?

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

BY MARY DITCH | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

Welcome to our annual Home for the Holidays!

Step inside the stunning home of John and Kacy Amador. Built in 1996, the house immediately grabs your attention just steps inside the front door.

Kacy’s holiday style has always been very whimsical, as she and John raised their three children. “As the kids grew older, I considered a more neutral, sophisticated look much to their disapproval,” shared Kacy. “As a result, the décor that they grew to love remained but has been slightly modified over the years.”

Shannon Bella with Knight N Day Designs has helped the Amador family for years with their holiday decorating. Leaning on Kacy’s style, and not ever straying far from the traditional pieces she holds dear, Shannon transforms the home into a Christmas wonderland. Staying with Kacy’s colors of red and white, Shannon hung the ornaments in a color block pattern this year, twisting around the tree, and included pampas grass as a special final touch.

Kacy holds tight to family traditions around the holidays. “A favorite tradition includes unpacking the Snowbabies each year and recalling

who gave them to us. Also, the children exchange one gift with each other on Christmas Eve. This dates back to their very early years as they endlessly begged to open just one before Christmas morning. They still do it to this day,” laughs Kacy. “And of course, gathering with extended family and friends for holiday celebrations throughout the month of December. There’s nothing like the holidays to recall and hold dear the traditions of years past as well as creating new ones with an ever growing family.” POV

Each year as we pull out our Christmas decorations, it is with great joy and anticipation that we carefully unwrap the treasures that best represent what the holidays mean to us. For some, ornaments from the trees of generations past whisper stories of Christmases long ago. Still others treasure handprint snowflakes or tress from children now grown. Often, one of the best parts of the holiday is continuing to add memories to be enjoyed for years to come.

We asked some of our friends and family to share with us more about their favorite Christmas ornament or decoration in their homes this holiday season.

ERIN

My favorite Christmas decoration is the Christmas Nativity. It reminds us that Christmas is a sacred event with humble beginnings. It is also a beautiful way to teach young children about Christmas.

For me it’s the Christmas tree. The anticipation of gathering my people and setting out on the adventure to find the perfect real tree, all the way down to the fresh evergreen fragrance that fills our home all season long. It’s the most delightful! It brings families together. Adorning the tree with beautiful ornaments and twinkling lights just has a way of warming the heart and bringing joy to the soul. Around the Christmas tree is where family gathers to spread generosity by giving gifts. Gifts by no means are of importance, it truly is the “giving” that speaks volume to me. The generous giving is just one way that we can reflect the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus. Jesus is the greatest gift one could ever receive. I hope this Christmas you find Christ in your homes and in your hearts. Merry Christmas.

This Santa and Mrs. Claus music box is my all-time favorite piece of Christmas decor. It was a gift from my

JERAD

The most sentimental Christmas decoration I have is the triple indent glass ornament I got when my grandmother passed away. As a young boy, my grandmother would pick me up in early December on a Saturday, because I was her special Christmas decoration helper. I remember it so vividly – her little Christmas tree was adorned with the most special bulbs. They were triple indent glass ornaments from Germany, and those beautiful indents reflected the colorful lights in the most brilliant way. When I was done with the tree, I would assume my role in the kitchen – sous chef of pralines and Shirley's famous fruit cakes! I know you're probably thinking "eww, fruit cake." These were no ordinary fruit cakes. They were filled with candied fruits, nuts and enough bourbon to kill off the plague. After we were done baking fruit cakes and pouring out pralines, there was always a burger from the Malt-N-Burger down the road in store for me. I can still smell those desserts and taste those burgers every time our Christmas tree lights reflect off that ornament to this day.

This is my piece that I look forward to putting out each Christmas. It’s the reason for the season! Merry Christmas everyone!

DANA

My fascination with nativities began as a small child with a tiny plastic nativity that many families in the 1960s probably had. It was a plastic stable with flat figures of the holy family, wise men and animals glued to the floor. Inexpensive and probably purchased at a dime store, it is an inch and a half high and 2 inches wide. I still have it.

As the horizons in my life have moved steadily outward, I have always looked for Christmas ornaments as a permanent remembrance of our travels. I wanted something specific to the place that would renew my happy memories each year when it went on the tree. As I searched for ornaments on our trips, nativities often caught my eye. I've collected nativities from Italy and Germany, the American southwest, Alaska, and from my own proverbial "backyard". My beloved spouse has indulged me and has taken some long walks to find shops selling indigenous Christmas items in the places we visited. The items pictured are just

a few of many. There is the Pueblo artist nativity with the howling coyote where the wisemen bear traditional Native American gifts of drum, woven fabric and eagle feathers. In the Navajo nativity, I especially cherish the horse, coyote and the armadillo. The Alaska Denali nativity includes an arctic hare pelt to

serve as snow for the igloo, the baby Jesus with puffin, walrus and polar bear. One of the loveliest gifts from my husband has been my Cajun nativity, crafted by regional folk artist, Lorraine Gendron. I love that Joseph is portrayed as a Crawfish fisherman, a provider. The wisemen are a native American, a musician and a chef with his gumbo

pot. And again, I love the raccoon, the alligators and the armadillo. The baby Jesus in the pirogue with the pelican reminds me of the incredible landscape that became my home when I married. The framed nativity art is by someone near and dear to my heart, my daughter Robin. Drawn when she was about six or seven years old, I saved it and put it out every year on display at Christmas time. A few years ago my husband insisted that it be framed, because as he said, anything you have kept and displayed that long has special meaning to you. Which leads me to the clothespin nativity made by my son, Hunter when he was six years old. Those small children, long grown into adults, revisit me every year as I bring out their childhood handiwork. I am a sentimentalist. The story of Mary and Joseph's struggles as they created their family has always resonated with me. The imperfect beginnings of what would be perfected in a misunderstanding world is as relevant now as it was over 2000 years ago.

BY MARY DITCH | PHOTOS SUBMITTED

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Hope is alive and thriving on the eastside of Houma! Through the untiring help of a local organization, great strides are being made in meeting the educational, physical, and emotional needs of those who are marginalized and under-resourced.

Hope Extreme is a faith based, 501(c)3 non-profit with a mission of providing holistic, revitalizing, and

life-changing programs that empower the marginalized and under-resourced with hope.

Tara Detiveaux, executive director of Hope Extreme, takes us back to the organization’s humble beginnings on the eastside of Houma.

“We actually started in 2009 with some street programs on the eastside of Houma. That year we did a Thanksgiving meal and realized that that was not going to be enough,” explained Tara. “From there we started the non-profit Hope Extreme

with several young people in town. We focused on going out and helping kids, mostly our local students. We purchased a building off of Roselawn near East Street and offered an afterschool program for students. We also had services for teenagers. We had a basketball court in the back as well. However, we quickly outgrew it!”

In 2015, Hope Extreme was able to purchase an old drug store building on Grand Caillou Road. The building was large enough to house all their programs, along with a church to offer faith services to the community. As

the building grew, so did their hopes and dreams.

“After the renovations were complete in 2016, we expanded from there yet again!” smiled Tara. “We still have our afterschool program. Kids get off the bus here from Honduras and Acadian [Elementary Schools], kindergarten through 4th grade, and they spend two hours with us on Monday and Tuesdays to get help with homework and also enjoy electives. And then we van them home. On Wednesdays, all of our teenagers come. We van them in from the surrounding neighborhoods on the eastside of Houma. Anybody can come, from 12 to 18 years old.”

The heartbeat of Hope Extreme has always been children. But as the years passed by, Tara and her staff realized the need had grown once again to include the entire family unit.

“We started working with families because we realized to help our kids be better, we need to have healthier and better families,” shared Tara. “We saw that our kids were growing up and needed a place to bring in their families. So we actually have families that are still here from the moment that we opened in 2009, but now have their kids that are enrolled here. The heart of Hope Extreme is to do this not just for one generation, but for a lifetime of commitment to the eastside.”

In 2021, Hurricane Ida threw a curve ball into the program that was still pushing to return to normal after Covid-times. The eastside of Houma has struggled

to return after the devastating storm. Homes in that area are in worse condition than immediately after the storm. Hope Extreme assessed the needs of their community and once again stepped up to meet them, opening Hope Fridge.

“Right now, our community is changing. Homelessness is increasing here in the parish after Ida,” Tara explained. “We saw the needs become even more tremendous because the east side has not rebounded at all, like a lot of the other communities. We're seeing people still living in houses that are now worse than when the storm

no questions asked. Food donations come from Terrebonne Churches United Food Bank, Plymouth Rock Food Bank, as well as local organizations, such as Houma Christian School, doing food drives. People in the community also assist by dropping off fresh fruits and vegetables from their own personal gardens.

“We try to load up the fridge with fresh options, food that will sustain people,” shared Tara. “We service not only the homeless, but the underprivileged and just low income families. Any one who has a need. Right now with inflation, and electricity bills doubling, insurance bills doubling, something has to give. We have been blessed to be able to open this Fridge. We have also been able to do small donations of items such as kitchen wares, slightly used clothing, warm jackets and blankets in the pantry. We just ask that if you drop items outside of our hours, that things are done neatly and orderly.”

hit. You see very little movement on these homes or the businesses. You just don’t see the vitality coming back. But that’s sort of where we come in. Hope is still here. With all the food banks that I know of being on the other side of town, we started a community fridge called Hope Fridge.”

Hope Fridge is a community pantry and refrigerator/freezer that is located at Hope Extreme. The idea is there will always be something there for you to eat,

povhouma.com

The needs of the community continue to be met, as Hope Showers is on schedule to open by Christmas. The showers will allow anyone who needs it, to be able to have a fresh, warm water shower, along with a care package of soap and a towel. The showers will only be open during Hope Extreme business hours, and will be locked with an entry code. Shower heads will be timed as well.

Hope continues to abound as Tara looks forward to 2023. There are many unmet

needs still in the community that they hope to be able to address in the new year.

“Our vision moving forward is to add in what we'll call Hope Hangout,” shared Tara. “Just a really nice place for the east side because there’s nothing around here. There are parks on the east side, but they're riddled with behavior that’s not suitable for families. We want to create a hangout in the front, have maybe a sand volleyball court and a nice basketball court. Maybe some kind of an eatery place where you can hang out with picnic tables, and a little park in the front for your family. And again, it’s just, we see the need in East Houma for fun things that don't lead you into trouble. Something, maybe on Friday nights - local music or some kind of game night - for the kids and teens and families to come and enjoy! That’s where the heart is, to get that open in 2023.”

Just as Hope Extreme serves our community, they are hopeful that the community will help serve them. The biggest need this holiday season at Hope

Extreme is illumination! They are hosting a fundraising campaign called “Light It Up!”

Hurricane Ida took down all the light poles in their parking lot. Unfortunately, insurance did not cover the lot. Without lights in the parking lot, the darkness can be overwhelming. Safety is of the utmost concern to Tara, as people do come at all hours to visit the Hope Fridge, soon Hope Showers, and in the future, Hope Hangout. With nightfall coming sooner, it is dark when the vans are loading up to bring children home in the evening.

“We've been looking into the cost of repairing the poles, but that is a little too high,” explained Tara. “We think we will instead put bright lights on the building to shine into the parking lot, which we can do at a much reduced cost. We can add in more lighting as we need it and really light the place up!”

Volunteers are also always needed at Hope Extreme. With their after school programs, they are always in need of individuals who can sit down with the children and help with homework. Other ways you can help this ministry include donations of items from their wishlist, or by keeping the Fridge in mind through the holidays. If it’s in your heart to donate food after a large family or corporate party, food can be separated into servings, placed into labeled zip top bags (what it is and the date it was bagged), and left in the refrigerator. Fresh fruit from winter trees is always welcome as well.

John 13:35 reminds us “By this, all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Hope Extreme exists in our community not just to serve, but to encourage a love for one another, and to foster extreme hope for the future. Find wish lists, donation opportunities, volunteer forms and more at hopeextreme.org. POV

Dream without boundaries

Knowing you’ve got the strength of the cross, the protection of the shield and thousands of top doctors to lift you when you need it. The Right Card. The Right Care.

BY HEIDI GUIDRY, PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

A Houma native has turned passion into a successful business that has surpassed all expectations. Nick J. Hebert, the owner of the local business Nick J Hebert Designs, has found a love for design that has evolved into endless opportunities.

Nick realized his passion while working at a client’s wedding with a wedding

designer, “That was how I found my passion. I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” he said. He explained that the number one florist in town at the time, Nancye Payne of the Crystal Vase, was the florist at the wedding. The Monday after the wedding, he was offered a job at Crystal Vase, working with Nancye in

florals and design. Nick worked at the Crystal Vase for years, before going to work at Dillard’s on the corporate side, working his way up to management. He continued to do design work on the side, all the while attending college at Nicholls State University.

He graduated from Nicholls State

University while he was still in management in the Dillard’s home department, “It was at that time I decided that corporate wasn’t for me. I decided to open up my own store shortly after,” Nick said. Although it was scary, he believes life is too short to not take the risk, “We are here for a very short period of time. Whether we’re here for 40 years or 100, take the risk,” he encouraged. “If it would

be easy, everybody would do it. You have to be willing to put forth the effort and sacrifices; you get out what you put in…Life is already short enough, enjoy everything.”

Nick J Hebert Designs opened their storefront in Houma in 2014, located at 216 Mystic Boulevard. He said it’s both an honor and privilege to serve the community, “I’ve grown up my whole life

here, so that has been an amazing journey for me. I will always, no matter where my next steps are in life, I will always have a store here. It’s kind of my way to give back to a community that has embraced me all of these years,” he shared humbly.

In 2019, Nick saw an avenue for growth, finding a fit in another market that led him to eventually open up a New Orleans location called Nick J. “I wanted to grow

there and saw that New Orleans was booming in the housing market in the CBD area. I saw the opportunity,” he explained. The second store is located at 601 Baronne Street in the heart of the CBD district in April 2019.

Both of Nick’s shops have a variety of services including florals, event design, wedding design, and interior design services for all of your furniture, art, and accessory needs. They also have unique gifts in the retail shops. The two locations are different when it comes to gifts that are offered; the New Orleans location offers "touristy" items while the Houma locations focuses on beautiful items for your home.

Nick brings the true spirit to the holidays by personally decorating

homes, business and New Orleans hotels each year. He designs and creates a holiday wonderland, bringing joy to his clients and their families, as well as businesses. Each year, you can find Nick draping staircases, setting up trees, and anything else that brings the Christmas spirit.

When it comes to his work, Nick shared he loves pushing the limits on the things they create instead of doing the same thing over and over. Innovative designs are what Nick yearns for and when you think of wedding design, you may not necessarily think of some designs the Houma native has done. In 2018 he said they designed a wedding where they hung 4,000 stems of hydrangeas over a dance floor, “It was definitely one of those wow moments,” he shared.

Nick finds inspiration all around him. His designer inspiration is Jeff Leatham who started out designing beautiful and innovative floral arrangements along with sculptural installations at the Four Seasons George V in Paris, “He’s fabulous, over the top,” Nick explained. Another inspiration of his is a mentor that was there for him since the beginning of his design journey, Nancye Payne, “She’s the one who took a chance on me,” he proudly said, “I was only 18 at the time, and I remember her saying you either have it, or you don’t and you have it…I thought that was the biggest compliment coming from her who had been in the industry at that time for close to 30 years.”

very good designer once said, ‘I don’t consider myself

“A

an A person, because

“I’ve grown up my whole life here, so that has been an amazing journey for me. I will always, no matter where my next steps are in life, I will always have a store here. It’s kind of my way to give back to a community that has embraced me all of these years.”

once you’re an A person, there’s no room for growth’….I consider myself a B person and I surround myself with A people in my company. That makes my company an A company,” he said.

Nick also loves to travel. Other than designing international weddings, he also has found ways to incorporate travel into bringing beautiful items to his stores. He recently returned from a Paris market and highlighted the stores have unique items, “It’s one thing to go to market in the states, which I love to go to, but also I want to find different items. I had an opportunity in 2019 to go to Paris and it was an amazing trip,” he said. Once back in Houma, he did a “Nick’s Picks” that featured five items, all of which sold out. Nick was able to return to Paris in September of this year, after Covid restrictions that made travel difficult were lifted.

Looking ahead to his continued successful career, the designer said he’s always five years ahead and has a few things in the works. “We have other avenues and expansions in the New Orleans area,” he said, “so we just have to wait and see!” POV

the observer | BY JAIME DISHMAN

THE REALLY GOOD GIFT

If you’re reading this before Christmas morning, you should know that I am eagerly waiting on Christmas Day. I’m no longer young, and even as I write this, there is a part of me that wants to start a countdown to Christmas. But it’s too early. As my fingers type, Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened yet.

Christmas morning. Please come. Because it feels like I’ve been waiting all year. My daughter told me the other day that she can’t wait until the house “feels like Christmas.”

There’s no logical explanation. My husband and I don’t exchange gifts. So there’s no big gift coming that might make my day. The minute my eyes open on Christmas, I think “It’s here. I’ve been waiting all year.”

I grew up with a sense that on Christmas morning, every wrong thing was somehow made right. We would attend our church’s candlelight service and get home late Christmas Eve. But I went to bed knowing that no matter how much of a brat I had been all year long, I would wake up forgiven by parents who graciously put gifts under the tree. Even when I in no way deserved them. My self-awareness of my brat-like behavior is true. As a moody, sarcastic, and somewhat rebellious teenager, I knew what I was. And I knew that if there was a naughty/nice list, I might not make the “nice” list. I certainly hadn’t been nice to my parents all year. And friendships were questionable too. I usually had only been nice if they had been nice to me. So I’m not sure that warrants a check in the “nice” box.

But on Christmas morning, the gifts were there. My parents were smiling, and gratitude erupted from a girl who showed little hope of ever turning out “well.” Seriously, even my grandmother had predicted to my parents that “they would have trouble with that one.” And they did. But I was forgiven. Christmas morning felt like a fresh start, a chance to do it all over again. All my wrongs forgiven. Smiling parents. Undeserved gifts.

A little piece of me changed every Christmas through my teen years. Waking up feeling forgiven and given a clean slate changes the way you do things. It turned the sarcasm into concern for others. It changed the moodiness into gratitude. And eventually, it turned me into a daughter that my parents were glad to wake up to on Christmas morning.

They could have quit giving me gifts and told me I didn’t deserve them. And that would have been true. But they didn’t. Every Christmas morning came, and they placed as much as they could afford under the tree. Really good gifts, too. Ones that I knew sometimes cost too much.

It’s made me want to give good gifts to my own children. Really good ones that they don’t deserve. And not just Christmas morning. But every day of the year. Because not all gifts come in wrapping paper. Sometimes it’s the gift of a little extra undeserved grace.

That Christmas morning feeling isn’t just a feeling. It’s a sign of new life, which is ultimately what Christmas morning is all about. Wise men sought after a star, and I have to think they thought “Please give me something new that will change the way I am now. That’s why I’m following this star so far.”

I’m no wiseman, but I’d imagine following a star in hopes of finding a long-prophesied king isn’t a logical decision on anyone’s part.

But neither is gift giving. If I’m tallying points, about half my kids probably don’t deserve gifts this year. They’ve left their rooms sloppy, argued with each other, lied, and yelled at me. But the gifts are there. Waiting. Wrapped.

And they’re good ones, too. Ones they don’t deserve. Because I want them to know what a fresh start feels like. A morning when you wake up and realize you don’t measure up, but you’ve been given good things anyway.

And that is why I’ve been waiting for Christmas morning. It’s the best day of the year. POV

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10 WAYS TO MAKE THIS A HEALTHIER (AND HAPPIER) HOLIDAY SEASON

Instead of plunging into the usual hustle and bustle that typifies the holiday season, why not start a new tradition this year? Focus on self-care and your own well-being.

A self-care plan can reduce stress, anxiety and depression while boosting your energy, mood and physical health. It might also help alleviate some of the guilt that routinely sets in around January 2 when you get on the scales or receive the credit card bill.

Here are 10 suggestions for a holiday self-care and wellness regimen:

1. Pamper yourself. After two years of pandemic worries and disruptions, everyone—men and women alike—deserves pampering. If you can, book an hour or day at a spa for massages, facials, manis and pedis, reflexology and detoxifying body wraps. Or keep it simple with a candle-lit, soothing bubble bath at home. Just take some time to relax.

2. Exercise regularly. The advantages of exercising at any age outweigh any excuses for not. Exercise lowers blood pressure, improves heart health, reduces risk of stroke and helps weight loss. Few remedies compare to a walking meditation for clearing your mind. If you already have a regular routine, add something new during the holidays— yoga, Pilates, kayaking or hiking.

3. Get some sleep. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends 7-8 hours of sleep each night for adults. To aid your sleep ritual:

• Maintain a comfortable sleeping environment with no distracting lights and noises; keep the room temperature around 68–70 degrees

• Turn off all devices, change into pajamas and brush your teeth at least 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime

• Wind down by reading a book or listening to a meditation

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule; try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends

• Avoid exercising for 2-3 hours before bedtime

• Avoid large meals, alcohol and caffeine late at night

4. Wisely portion food and drink. This may be the most difficult self-care tip to follow since holiday cheer is usually used as an excuse to overindulge. The best way to stay true to the best you is limiting your consumption of pleasure foods, especially sweets, and drinks. Try taking just three to five “polite” bites and sips.

While it’s commonly believed that Americans gain an average five-to-eight pounds from Thanksgiving through New Year ’s Day, NIH studies show the average holiday weight gain to be only about one pound.

However, any amount of weight loss can be challenging, especially after age 50. As weight increases, so do health conditions that can affect your stamina, mobility and overall wellness.

5. Stay positive. Stop worrying. Difficult as it may be to accept, there’s only so much you can control. But, you can control how you welcome the day and bid good night. Despite all that may be going on, concentrate on positive thoughts when you first awake and reflect on the things you're grateful for at the end of the day. Stay in the Zen zone on nature walks, by journaling or listening to music that makes you feel good. Schedule time with friends and or just play on your own. Gaze up at the night sky.

6. Clear away clutter. While it may seem like work, set aside time at the start of the holiday season to

organize your closets, the garage or kids' rooms. Clutter tends to induce anxiety. If the task at hand seems overwhelming, start in a small space where your efforts will show big results. You will feel you have accomplished a lot and may be motivated to do more.

7. Make a plan. Set aside specific days for decorating, shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan menus and shopping lists ahead of time to avoid last-minute runs to the grocery store. Enlist help for party prep, clean-up duties, gift wrapping and other holiday commitments. Don’t be afraid to say no to requests that don’t fit your planned schedule.

8. Set a budget. To prevent stress over money, plan ahead and review your finances. Set a realistic budget for gifts that doesn't impact your ability to pay bills nor result in excessive credit card debt. Then stick to the budget. Instead of over extending on gift giving, donate to charities in honor of family and friends.

9. Seek professional help if needed. Despite best efforts, during the holidays you may find yourself feeling sad or anxious, suffering physical ailments, unable to sleep, or irritable and moody. If you're having a difficult time, speak with your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you with coping skills to get through the holiday season with a bit of cheer.

10. Stay vigilant and vaccinate. Masking mandates may have ended, but COVID-19 remains with us. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones during the holidays is by staying up to date on vaccinations. The CDC recommends updated (bivalent) boosters for everyone 5 years and older.

For more information on health and wellness services, contact Thibodaux Regional Wellness Education Center, 985.493.4765.

Dear Worldwide Christmas Shoppers, Especially You Indiscriminate Ones:

I urge you to be more thoughtful and conservative about purchasing gifts this holiday season. Because of high prices? Because of economic recession? No! Rather, it’s because I’m tired of it, I’ve been shorthanded since the pandemic began, and frankly, we’re running out of space here with all this ice melting—which you have caused.

Yes, in case you never knew–and who blames you, with all those stop-action animated films about the rednosed nonsense going on at Earth’s other pole–we Elves at the South Pole are stuck not preparing holly-jolly gifts for holiday delivery but rather dealing with jeepers-creepers stuff that no one wants. That’s right: Here at the buttend of the compass, we Southern Elves serve the Great Holiday Returns Desk. This is not the Island of Misfit Toys. Rather, this is the Continent of Mis-toyed Fits, and all the stuff the world returns must fit here in our cold storage. We can’t re-sell it, we can’t re-gift it, we can’t recycle it, and we can’t pump it down a salt dome or a fracking well. So we freeze it. We indefinitely hold this waste of planetary resources beneath our icy crust and have done so for the past few centuries. And our storage space is shrinking, which makes all the seals and penguins and albatrosses angry and very noisy.

Remember your New Year’s Resolution not to spend and buy so much stuff for Christmas? No you don’t! We South Pole Elves have to work 24-7-365 because of you. Why? Because of Black Friday, Storm-the-doors Saturday, Blood-letting Sunday, and all those blue-light-special days about which your loved ones will never appreciate the life you risked to go cheap on them. So the next time you try to act cute and buy an Elf-onthe-Shelf doll not because you need it but because you think someone wants it, know that it’s a North Pole Elf you’re mocking and not a South-Poler. Don’t buy it just to buy it: Do you know how many Prime Minister-on-a-Shelf dolls got returned from England in the past few years? I hope that you do.

Speaking of avoiding things, here’s some holiday buying advice from us severely overworked Return Elves. First, buy for affection toward the recipient rather than excitement for getting a sale. Second, know that after the cartoon age, kids don’t like to receive clothes or food as gifts, which they consider essential for life and not a real holiday gift. Third, when buying clothes for yourself, if you gotta ask “Does this make my [body part] look big?” then you already know the answer, so don’t buy it. Fourth, burn your unwanted romantic gifts instead of returning them; we elves have feelings and unfulfilled needs just like you, but, because of you, we can’t take a day off to cry or drink them away. Fifth, if you return a gift card, then you’ve missed the whole point. Finally, don’t use tape when packaging returns; it sticks to and ruins our furry uniforms. Further, if you live in that special region of the northern hemisphere called PoV Country, here’s additional advice. Don’t buy wool clothing, especially for children; you know darn well it’s gonna be warm and humid every other day in winter. Don’t package your

returns while cooking holiday gumbo; clothes and fabrics that smell of burnt onions and flour make the penguins sick. And try to speak clearly through your thick Cajun-French accents when calling about returns; our receptionists can’t tell if you’re cursing or trying to return silverware.

Remember: The more you spend, the more you return, and the more you return, the more we need to store. And our space is melting away. Any idea what’s under this big slab of ice? Crustaceans that make that show “Deadliest Catch” look like getting a manicure. Not to mention frozen prehistoric caveman furs from Patagonia—and not the Patagonia that sells outdoor clothing but rather the southernmost part of the South American continent–rocky land of glaciers and fjords. And speaking of fjords, you Scandinavians need to stop returning your Explorers and F-150s because we can’t take them: We got no room, and the antifreeze turns solid and busts the engine block as soon as they cross 60 degrees latitude.

The irony of your current situation is this: If our storage space continues to melt, it’s us who will helplessly return unwanted gifts to you–via the slow gyres of ocean currents. You may never need to shop on land for gifts ever again. Merchandise will just wash ashore for you. Talk about re-gifting! We have a common Elvish saying about you down here: One day you’re unwrapping a box with yearnings and the next day you’re at a box store with returnings. Think about it.

Sincerely yours, Chief Elf Officer (C.E.O.)

S. Pole Operations, Antarctica POV

Celebrate the Child and the Annual Houma-Terrebonne Christmas Parade

December 3, 10 a.m. – till

Downtown Houma

MacDonell United Methodist Children’s Services will host its Celebrate the Child Christmas Event in partnership with the Houma-Terrebonne Christmas Parade in Downtown Houma. The fun filled day will feature a Chili Cook-Off, Christmas Tree Contest, and local craft vendors. The Christmas Parade will roll immediately following the event.

Snow Ball Stranger Things

80s Social

December 3, 6–8 p.m.

Terrebonne Parish Main Library Dig out your old prom dress, t-shirts from the past, or dress as your favorite character and join other Stranger Things fans for the themed adult event. The night will offer dancing, trivia, costume contests, and refreshments. Registration is not required, and the event is free and open to the public (17 and older).

Reindeer Rowe

December 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Warren J. Harang Civic Center, Thibodaux

The Reindeer Rowe Christmas market will feature local merchants all in one spot. Unique gifts, clothing and fashion items, as well as food will be available. General admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.

Gingerbread Jingle

December 4, 1 4 p.m.

Ellendale Country Club

The jolly filled afternoon will feature

mini-gingerbread house decorating, singing holiday carols, treats, and a visit from Santa himself. Guests are welcome to take photos with Santa, and of course whisper your Christmas wish in his ear! Tickets are required in advance.

Reindeer Run 5K

December 4, 1 – 4 p.m.

Bayou Country Sports Park

Girls on the Run Bayou Region will host the 11th Annual Reindeer Run 5K. The community is invited to join the GOTR participants in this non- competitive event, and enjoy food, music and familyfun activities. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the 5K begins at 1 p.m.

Holiday Jazz Concert

December 4, at 3 p.m.

Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center's fifth-floor banquet room

Join Thibodaux Regional Health System and Music at St. John’s for an afternoon of holly, jolly, smooth Christmas jazz, featuring George Bell & Friends with a special appearance by the Thibodaux Ukulele Club. Admission for adults is $20/ each, parents with children are $10/each, and students are free with a school I.D.

Peter Pan Jr.

December 9 – 11

Bayou Black Recreation Center

SoLa Center for the Arts proudly presents Peter Pan Jr. Based on Disney’s traditional Peter Pan, over 30 local students will show off their hard work in this fun, community performance. Tickets are available at the door, and are $10/child and $15/adult. Performance times include December 9 at 7 p.m., December 10 at 7 p.m., and December 11 at 2 p.m. POV

The beloved holiday classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was recorded in 1958 by 13 year old Brenda Lee.

The Statue of Liberty is the largest Christmas gift to date, given to the U.S. by France in 1886. The statue is over 150 feet tall and weighs 225 tons.

“Jingle Bells” was the first song ever played in space. The Gemini 6A crew played the song amongst the stars on December 16, 1965.

The tradition of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center began when construction workers erected a simple, green tree without decorations in 1931.

If you add up all of the gifts in "Twelve Days of Christmas," the total number of gifts is 364.

The top four highest-grossing Christmas movies of all time in order are Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, and The Polar Express.

Find the six differences in this photo from our feature on page 10. Email your answers to us at looktwice@povhouma.com or drop it in the mail: Rushing Media, P.O. Box 5013, Houma, LA, 70361. A winner will be picked by random drawing December 15. The winner will receive a $50 Visa® gift card courtesy of Synergy Bank. Participants must be 18 years or older.

Congratulations to Natalie Townsend for winning last month’s contest.

ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CONTEST