Christmas 1953

Previously I have labeled this picture Christmas 1953. I am eight; Richard is 6; Stephen is 5. I have begun the fruitless quest to curl my hair. I have not yet admitted even to myself that I need glasses, but I am cheating on school vision tests.

Richard and I are demonstrating our precocious musical talent on a giant xylophone. Stephen does not yet appear to have his chemistry set.

So many pictures appear to be of us in our pajamas. Does anyone remember how early we were allowed to get up on Christmas day? What time were we supposed to be in bed every night? I recall monumental fights with Mom all through high school about bedtimes.
She needed her sleep so I had to go to bed earlier than I wanted or needed to.