Christmas Manners: It's not too late the thank Santa.

Bulger Park, Veteran's Park District, Melrose Park, Illinois, December 1966. He appreciates the effort.

Christmas Manners: Know your lines.

Suburban Chicago, December 1964. Santa won't hand over a gift unless you recite a poem.

Christmas Manners: Show the tree to your best friend.

Indiana, about 1963. My friend V enjoys the season with her compliant kitty.

Thanks to V for making this photo available to us.

Christmas Manners: Feign delight.

Suburban Chicago, December 1964. You know he's fake, but he did bring gifts.

Christmas Manners: Dance for Santa

Bulger Park, Veteran's Park District, Melrose Park, Illinois, December 1966. It's a practiced routine.

Christmas Manners: Dance with Santa

Suburban Chicago, December 1964. The children from our Lithuanian school join in another round of "Jurgelis Meistrelis." I'm the girl with the eyeglasses; my friend Kris wears a plaid skirt and faces the camera.

Christmas Manners: Watch the teacher's cues.

Bulger Park, Veteran's Park District, Melrose Park, Illinois, December 1966. I am relieved my part in the play has ended.

ADDED: Typo in header corrected. Usage!

Christmas Manners: Enjoy the haul.

Suburban Chicago, December 24, 1961. We're in the Rec Room; I only remember the Christmas tree being set up in the living room.

I am most interested in the toy iron.

Christmas Manners: Linger on each gift.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, December 1960. Look closely; you may find a few gems.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

Christmas Manners: Show your appreciation, even if he is a Santa Fake.

Bulger Park, Veterans Park District, Melrose Park, Illinois, December 1966. The bunnies know how to be grateful.

Christmas Manners: Don't ask questions.

Bulger Park, Veterans Park District, Melrose Park, Illinois, December 1966. It seems ridiculous to be dressed as a mouse (or a rabbit) for a Christmas play. But I'm reciting a delightful poem.

(Was this costume the inspiration for the moose outfit?)

Christmas Manners: Be proud of your accomplishment.

Toronto, Ontario, December 1956. My Toronto Cousin is happy with her tree-trimming work.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this image available to us.

Christmas Manners: Listen patiently to the Santa Fake.

Melrose Park, Illinois, December 1963. Santa addresses the anxious children during our Lithuanian school's Christmas pageant.

Christmas Manners: Patience will be rewarded.

Toronto, Ontario, December 1960. My Toronto Cousin appreciates the tree.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

Christmas Manners: Don't get too ambitious with the cookie baking.

Suburban Chicago, December 1970. It seems like a good idea, but it can become tedious.

Christmas Manners: Share your innermost wishes.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, December 1957. My Toronto Cousin explains what's on her list.

Christmas Manners: Drop in for a visit.

Chicago, Illinois, about 1960. A lifelong friend of Mr. Irene's Mom and her husband pop in for some cheer.

Christmas Manners: Wait patiently for the gift.

Suburban Chicago, December 1963. I line up after the Christmas play. I've recited a poem, so I anticipate a rewarding gift.

Christmas Manners: Stay focused on the new toy.

Suburban Chicago, December 1964. I explore the Barbie wardrobe.

Christmas Manners: Can we open the gifts now?

Suburban Chicago, December 24, 1964. I look up from the Kūčios table. Mom works on a can of lobster! There's a plotkelė on the dried fruit compote in front of me. Dried fruit compote—no wonder I look miserable.