No, Irene, there is no Santa Claus.

Melrose Park, Illinois, December 1967. It's time for another Christmas Pageant at our little Lithuanian school.

I was a more eager participant at earlier celebrations. Here, I have figured out the Santa Fake thing, and I don't look enchanted—or nervous—about reciting a Christmas poem.

Check out the Lithuanian straw ornaments. They're made from drinking straws!

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Melrose Park, Illinois, December 1967. Even my folkdancing looks unenthusiastic.