i posted a link to this you tube video on Louisians bonfires
on my face book page Every year at this time, they light huge bonfires on the levee in celebration of Cajun Christmas. It was originally a beacon to show Papa Noel the way to get to the bayou. Here are some pix: http://www.festivalofthebonfires.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcPWKpJ7A0U&feature=related