Related by Marriage: Breakfast

Madison, Wisconsin, December 1990. Mr. Irene's Parents visit us in our new home.

We're not gloomy.

Suburban Chicago, January 1962. My Toronto Cousin and I are happy to go outside, even if the skies are cloudy.

She's in holiday gear until January 6.

Black Earth, Wisconsin, January 2013. It's also a good idea to wear a coat because it's cold.

We're taking down the tree.

Suburban Chicago, January 1979. The little tree has served its holiday purpose.

Poodle Trees

Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, December 29, 2015. There's a lot to absorb.

Decorating the Tree

Suburban Chicago, December 1961. My Dad, my Toronto Cousin, Kadis, and I decorate the tree. I dance when I get excited, and I recover from spills easily.

A Happy Shopper

Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, December 29, 2015. Poodles like to get out, too.

A Last Christmas Spin

Melrose Park, Illinois, December 1967. The sooner we finish, the sooner we'll get to the refreshments.

A Lesson about Sharing

Suburban Chicago, December 24, 1960. I don't mind sharing the pink bear with my paternal Grandmother, Tatjana, because I carry my favorite stuffed dog. It was a good haul.

First-Christmas Reunion

Madison, Wisconsin, December 1989. Mr. Irene and I decorated the apartment for the holidays. This is the piece hanging above the fireplace. You may recognize the coffee table.

Kremlin Christmas

Kaunas, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, December 1972. My Mom's maternal Aunt Dora sends a Christmas New Year's postcard. We're watching you!

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 Run

Verona, Wisconsin, December 2015. They'll catch up to Mom soon.

Greetings from the USSR

It's "Creepy Christmas Lenin." Or New Year's Lenin.

A Happier Kūčios

Verona, Wisconsin, December 24, 2013. The table will be a little melancholy this year.

We are ready for Kūčios

Suburban Chicago, December 24, 1965. We're about to share the Kūčios meal. My paternal Grandmother, Tatjana, holds a plotkelė wafer. I'm trying to imitate my cool Toronto Cousin's hairstyle; Mom didn't like it.

Not-Seasonal Reunion

Verona, Wisconsin, December 23, 2015. The weather is making the Cardinal crabby.

"Christmas in Italy"

These images make me "homesick."

Related by Marriage: Tinsel

Suburban Chicago, December 1959. Mr. Irene absorbs his first Christmas.

Overstimulated

December 24, 1960. My Mom remembers Santa bringing only one toy for me each Christmas. I remember more. Here's a post-Kūčios, gift-opening session at which I received at least three gifts. There's a top, and I got a telephone so I could be just like Mom. This also is the year when Santa delivered the skunk.

Ah, look! It's Christmas Eve, and Tatjana has put on a dressier housecoat. Tatjana's habit of wearing housecoats drove Mom batty.