A Christmas Awakening Amidst the Pews

Key Takeaways:

• The author recounts a unique experience at a midnight mass on Christmas Eve in the 1980s, where a frog appeared on the altar.
• The frog’s presence added a touch of humor and unpredictability to the traditional Christmas service.
• The author reflects on their childhood memories of Christmas in New Orleans, including visiting the Centanni House and D.H. Holmes Department Store.
• The story highlights the magic and wonder of the Christmas season, as well as the importance of holding onto childhood innocence and imagination.

Introduction to a Memorable Christmas Eve
The author recounts a memorable Christmas Eve experience at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Baronne Street in New Orleans. As the choir sang about peace and joy, the author noticed a small, unexpected guest on the altar – a frog. The frog’s presence was a mystery, but it was likely that it had hopped into the church through the potted poinsettias that lined the altar. As the service progressed, the author couldn’t help but wonder if the frog would survive the Communion rush, where hundreds of shoes would be moving towards the altar.

A Moment of Reckoning
As the choir sang "O Holy Night," the frog weaved its way through the crowd, hoping to avoid being trampled. The author was distracted from the service, anxiously watching the frog’s fate. After Communion, the frog seemed to have disappeared, and the author wondered if it had leaped back into the safety of a poinsettia pot. This experience was a unique addition to the author’s many midnight masses, which they had been attending since grade school. The author’s first midnight mass was a memorable experience, where they were surprised by the choir’s singing of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" – or so they thought.

Childhood Memories of Christmas
The author reflects on their childhood memories of Christmas in New Orleans, which included visiting the Centanni House on Canal Street. The house was famous for its elaborate yard decorations, including a giant animated elephant giving Santa a ride on its back. The author’s family would also visit D.H. Holmes Department Store, where Santa Claus would sit on his throne, waving to the crowd. One year, the author was worried that Santa had been shot, but was relieved to see him alive and well on his throne. The author also recalls the rivalry between D.H. Holmes and Maison Blanche, another department store, which created its own Christmas character, Mr. Bingle.

The Magic of Christmas
The author’s story highlights the magic and wonder of the Christmas season, which is often filled with unexpected surprises and moments of joy. The appearance of the frog on the altar added a touch of humor and unpredictability to the traditional Christmas service. The author’s childhood memories of Christmas in New Orleans are also filled with wonder and excitement, from visiting the Centanni House to seeing Santa on his throne. The story emphasizes the importance of holding onto childhood innocence and imagination, even as we grow older. As the author notes, "All was calm; all was bright," and the magic of Christmas can be found in the unexpected moments and memories that we create.

A Frog’s Christmas Adventure
The author wonders about the fate of the frog after the midnight mass, imagining that it might be locked in the dark, dimly lit church. However, the frog could possibly amuse itself by visiting the nativity scene, where it could pose as the little-known frog in the manger. The story of the frog adds a lighthearted and humorous touch to the traditional Christmas narrative, reminding us that even in the most unexpected places, we can find joy and wonder. As the author reflects on their Christmas memories, it is clear that the magic of the season can be found in the smallest and most unexpected details, from a frog on the altar to a childhood memory of Santa on his throne.