A New Orleans Christmas

Fair warning:  this post contains an overload of all the southern things (see what I did there!?) and may leave you drooling over New Orleans cuisine and wanting to take the next flight out to Nola to eat all the cajun food, drink anywhere you can, and see all the things.  With that being said, Christmas  2014 at home, down in the deep south, was a success.  My eight day homecation was filled with all the sights, sounds, and tastes of all my favorites.  I've been to quite a few big touristy cities before, but nothing compares the laid back feeling of New Orleans and a stroll through the French Quarter with the sounds of jazz flowing from corner to corner.  That city has a special place in my heart and it gets me every time I step foot into my favorite part, Jackson Square. Add in my favorite friends and family and you basically have everything I live for all in one.
Every time I go home I play a game of Louisiana tourist.  The goal is to take in everything I can't get elsewhere, like beignets, the drinks, and the joy of people watching on Bourbon Street.  
If you ever wondered why New Orleans is basically the best place ever, this is why.  You can drink wherever you want, whenever you want.  This includes in the mall while you shop.  Yes, I just said what you think I said.  You can drink in the mall while you shop! Tell me what other place lets you do that.  Not convinced yet?  How about this.  There's even a wine bar.....wait for it.... in the mall!
Of course no trip home would be complete without an overload of food.  I don't think there was ever a moment that I wasn't full.
I promise we do more than just eat.  But that food doe...
Blackened crab stuffed catfish, seafood pasta, shrimp and crab étouffée, Randazzo's king cake, gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish pies are the only food groups you need, and if you're from here, it's most likely the only food groups you know.  
Combine good food with your best friends for a Christmas Eve pub outing and it doesn't get much better, until the rest of your high school shows up to said pub and it turns into an unplanned high school reunion.
As always, Chris Santa didn't disappoint and made me one happier girl on Christmas morning.  Boy knows how to buy gifts!
Hailey was flattered too and wanted to make sure everyone got to see her new dress.  What do y'all think!?  She made sure I got her good side.
What a great Christmas it's been!  I couldn't think of a better way to wrap up this year.  How was yours!?  I hope you all had a great time visiting with friends and family and made some great memories!  

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