Linksmų Kalėdų Merry Christmas

Christmas in our family is celebrated on Christmas Eve, (Kucios). The evening meal always had at least 12 dishes for the 12 disciples of Jesus. Presents weren't to be open until we had recited a poem, song etc and not until the first star was out. This was annoying as a child in Adelaide when it didn't get dark until 8:30 - 9:00pm. Once we made a cut out star and tried to get grandma to believe it was real enough for our presents. There was always lots of fish served, potato salad, more potato's and fish.

These traditions have been carried through the generations, although the meal has become less Lithuanian, ham and other dishes are served, English is spoken at the table. The thing i take away with me growing up is Christmas is for family and close friends, and a time to count your blessings and celebrate life.

Linksmų Kalėdų ir Laimingų Naujųjų metų!

(The photo is of my grandmother, her little brother and father at Christmas in Piniava, Lithuania, c. 1935)

Cartoonist Borisas BORJERAS

A caricaturist and art photographer, born in Kaunas on the 14 December 1910. He studied at the Kaunas school of art, graduating in 1931. In 1940 he married Elena and four years later fled to Germany. On arrival in SA he worked for the SA Railway department and then as a commercial artist. His work often featured in Australian Lithuanian print.