Letters of German Galka Relatives to Nephi Hacken

[Inside left:]
Vienna, the 10th of December 1980
Dear Nephi and Family!
Now another year has passed und Christmas is knocking at the door. It's a time to think fondly of all beloved relatives and acquaintances. And so it's time for you to get a letter from me again. I was very pleased at your Christmas letter and thank you most sincerely for it. I am curious if I will get a picture from you this year. Ella wrote me to say that I had already sent you a picture of us. I'm astonished that you still remember your visit to our house [in the mid-1930's] with such detail. I had talked to you on the street when you were on your way to visit us. Indeed, it was a lovely time.
Hopefully you can read my writing; I'm having pains in my right arm. I've had central heating installed. There was a lot of work involved, and I guess I overtaxed my arm. After an early and very cold winter...

[Outside left:]
I'm happy not to have to haul any more coal. Plus in November I'm turning 70. My husband is already 80. Otherwise our health is good. Our grandchild [Christian Hlavac] will be 9 years old in March. He's doing very well in school and in general is a good child. Once a week I go to visit my daughter [Gerlinde Hlavac].
You really have a large family [five children]. Once your wife has learned the German language, she could write to us too. Our son in law [Pepi Hlavac] would also like to have a pen pal.
For Christmas do you also bake cookies? I bake a lot. On Christmas Eve we are always at my daughter's home, and on the holiday itself we are back home. Where are you on Christmas Eve, at your own home or at one of your children's? Do you also have a Christmas tree?

[Inside right:] Merry
Christmas
and a Good
New Year
is the wish for you and your loved ones,
from Hilda and Gustl.
May the New Year bring you much health and happiness.