Empty-Nester Kūčios

My Parents celebrated Kūčios alone in 1983. I lived in Venice that year, and I did not travel home to the States for the holiday. Chicago also experienced a record cold spell during Christmas week, and other family members were not able to spend Kūčios with my Mom and Dad. Many people didn't want to leave their homes for fear that the power would go out and water pipes—especially in homes with hot water heat—would freeze.

Suburban Chicago, December 24, 1983. Mom and Dad start Kūčios by breaking the plotkelės.

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Suburban Chicago, December 24, 1983. Meškė joins Mom and Dad at the Kūčios table.