“Cajun Night Before Christmas” Named Louisiana’s Official Children’s Christmas Book

Beloved Louisiana classic Cajun Night Before Christmas was named Louisiana’s official children’s Christmas book yesterday. The designation comes via house bill HB273, brought to the floor by Representative Annie Spell, which passed through the state legislature without objection and was signed by Governor Jeff Landry on June 10, 2025. Scott Campbell, Publisher of Pelican Publishing noted, "This has been a beloved classic for over 50 years. We are thrilled that it now officially joins the other iconic Louisiana symbols." The news comes as the book’s publisher, New Orleans-based Pelican Publishing, prepares for its 100th Anniversary in 2026.

Written by J.B. Kling Jr. under the pseudonym Trosclair, the story is a Cajun reimagining Clement Moore's popular Christmas poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," and was originally conceived as a jingle for the Bergeron Plymouth Company. The late Milburn Calhoun, then publisher of Pelican, moved swiftly to acquire the rights and enlisted artist James Rice to illustrate the tale.

Cajun Night Before Christmas originally published in 1973 and has remained a favorite amongst Louisiana families, having sold over a million copies since its initial printing. Pelican has since released a 50th anniversary edition, an abbreviated board book, a coloring book, and a commemorative ornament, all of which can be found at retailers across Louisiana, as well as online through the publisher and other major retailers.