The end of 1962

A special visit was made to Parkside hospital to visit the sick and give Christmas gifts.  On December 17^th, the Women’s society gained permission to present a Lithuanian folk concert to the 14 Lithuanians hospitalised as well as the other patients.  The Lithuanian choir sang 8 songs and the dancing group danced six Lithuanian folk dances.

The auditorium had over 200 people from all different nationalities. Two Lithuanians, Stanickiene and Kalibatiene-Vasiliauskiene worked at the hospital and were astonished that this was the first time that patients had been fearless enough to watch.  It may have been the colourful costumes or the care brought by the performers.

Combined Christmas Eve

The community shared much of their lives together, so it was not surprising that 189 people gathered at Lithuanian house to share in a traditional Christmas Eve.  Prepared by the Women’s society the occasion began with a prayer and breaking of the host.  After some Christmas songs, people gathered around the Christmas tree and together decorated the inside of the hall.  Vytas Straukas with his violin accompanied by his sister Giedre on piano played Tylioji naktis.  L. Ruzinskaite recited some Lithuanian poems.

On Boxing Day, the Vytis sports club began the journey to Geelong for the annual Australian Lithuanian Sports festival, from 27 December to January 1.

December 27^th, basketball game against Geelong men, table tennis against Hobart.

December 28^th women’s volleyball against Melbourne, men against Hobart. Mens basketball against Sydney, the women against Melbourne.  Table tennis, Adelaide men against Geelong and Sydney, the women against Geelong.  Tennis men against Sydney, women vs Geelong. Chess, first round against Geelong.

December 29^th Adelaide basketball women vs Hobart, men also. Table tennis, women and men play Melbourne. Tennis played Hobart and Sydney teams, and volleyball against Geelong.

December 30^th, Womens’ basketball played Sydney.  Volleyball me vs Sydney and then Geelong.

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)