Tucked amongst the branches: The Nail of Noel shines as a Delta Christmas tale

By Lora Delhom

Delta native Erica Spivey Bruton brings faith, family tradition, and gentle holiday beauty to life in her debut picture book.
On Saturday afternoon, Nov. 15, Lagniappe was one of the places to be, as Cocktails and Candy Canes festivities spread across Leland and Washington County. Third Street bustled with shoppers carrying bags and greeting neighbors. For a moment, it already felt like Christmas.

Inside Lagniappe, the Smythes and the whole crew greeted everyone with their trademark warmth (and, for me, a glass of cranberry juice with a miniature candy cane perched on the rim). Toward the back of the store, a cheerful crowd gathered around a book-signing table. The scene made me think of one of my favorite carols: “Silver Bells… dressed in holiday style… Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile.” Leland is like that — friendly, familiar and festive.

After browsing for a bit, I finally asked the lively group by the signing table if I could snag a photo for the paper before I added yet another item to the “to me, from me” pile at the register. That’s when the serendipity began: one woman was originally from Baton Rouge and later lived in Naperville — at the same time I was teaching as an adjunct professor at North Central College. Small world, right?

And then I met the author, Erica Spivey Bruton and her sweet mother. Bruton, a Delta native and stationary designer, was signing copies of her new children’s book, The Nail of Noel. Meeting her felt like the unofficial start of the Christmas season — warm, familiar and full of promise.

A Story Rooted in Faith and Family
The Nail of Noel centers on a simple but powerful Christmas tradition built around a single nail. Each evening in December, a child reads a Bible verse from the back of the book then moves the nail to a new branch on the tree. The practice becomes a quiet countdown to Christmas — rooted not in presents but in reflection, a reminder of Jesus’ gift and sacrifice.

The tradition began in Bruton’s family when her sister first gave her a nail. She continued the ritual with her own children and has now preserved it in this book so other families can adopt and make it their own.

A Modern Delta Aesthetic – and a Designer’s Eye
The illustrations are soft, pretty and distinctly modern. The palette feels almost Nordic — the tones found in many Delta living rooms: white walls, light-to-mid-toned wood floors, blues, hints of blush and warm beige. Nestled among those muted hues are touches of Leland’s beloved burgundy velvet Christmas bows. Lagniappe itself could have served as a backdrop for several scenes.

Bruton includes her own family — and their goldendoodle Bella — in the artwork, adding a sweet personal touch. The clean design reflects her design background, especially when she explained that the publisher couldn’t get the burgundy quite right, so she sent the exact color codes. As someone who appreciates a bit of persnickety precision, I respect that level of dedication.

The slightly stylized look of the children even reminded me of my boys’ video games — including a page where the two sons look less than thrilled about matching Christmas pajamas, much to my boy-mom amusement.

Why This Tradition Matters
What I love most about this book is how accessible the tradition is. It doesn’t require elaborate setups, and it never asks parents to be perfect. You don’t even have to read it every single day for it to matter. If you miss a night — or a few — the magic isn’t lost. This tradition is about presence, not performance. In many ways, it reminds me of a Montessori-style Christmas practice: simple, flexible and focused on connection rather than keeping up.

On Day One, families read The Nail of Noel poem. Each day after that, the nail is moved, and a new scripture verse is read. I especially appreciated the page reminding children (and adults) that it’s okay if a beautiful ornament gets broken. After all, that’s not the point — Christmas is.

This rhythm of reading, moving the nail and reflecting, offers families a chance to slow down — something deeply needed in a season that often becomes rushed and over-scheduled. It builds anticipation in a meaningful way and connects children to the true heart of the holiday.

A Gift Worth Giving
The Nail of Noel is the kind of book that fits many households — families beginning new traditions, grandparents searching for meaningful faith-centered gifts and churches or children’s ministries looking for a simple way to bring Scripture into the season. It’s also a wonderful choice for anyone who loves supporting local authors and shops or wants a gentle, heartfelt tradition rooted in home, Scripture and Delta warmth.

Bruton has created a stunning gift-box edition that includes a nail ornament and a signed book — a beautifully packaged keepsake for $64.95 and available locally at Lagniappe. Supporting local is one of the best gifts you can give this Christmas. Bruton’s work reflects the spirit of our Delta community — creative, rooted, faithful and full of heart.