Sad Truth About Christmas in Japan

This will be my third Christmas in Japan... and having been in Miami last year during the holidays makes it ever more clear to me... there really isn't a Christmas in Japan.

I mean, I guess it does depend on what type of Christmas you're used to.

Yeah they play Christmas music... you see Christmas lights and decorations... you see the Japanese getting excited for Christmas and even have Christmas parties...

... but, there is still this something missing about it... and I think I've just began realizing what it is.

Maybe it's due to the fact that my family and closest friends aren't here to celebrate with me... but, it's also that there doesn't seem to be this sense of love and togetherness in the atmosphere.

For one thing... it's not a holiday in Japan. So, almost everybody seems to be going about their daily bustle and shuffle. Not much time to just be with family and friends. And, even if they do get to spend some time together... it's not the same family/friend togetherness I'm used to. No hugging and kissing... the main way I'm used to expressing my love for the best people in my life.

And... well... not that presents are the most important thing about Christmas... but, yeah... I've been surprised at that fact that in Japan Christmas presents are only really for kids. The kids (and sometimes even the adults) are just as surprised when I tell them them that in America presents are for everyone. And it's not just about receiving presents... but they joy and satisfaction you get about finding the perfect present for somebody... and the anxiousness and anticipation you have waiting to give it to them and seeing their reaction... sometimes... that's even better than receiving presents yourself... at least for me it is.

I don't want to say that all of Japan is like this... but, with the three Christmases I have experienced... they all tend to be the same.

Instead I'm surrounded by young couples going on dates... expensive Christmas cakes that are pretty small for the price they're sold at (I think the fact that it's a "Christmas" cake with Christmasy decorations is what spikes the price up)... fried chicken being sold everywhere and being advertised as THE Christmas Dinner.

It's not horrible... I don't want to mock Christmas in Japan...

It's just not the Christmas I grew up with...


... but, regardless... Merry Christmas everyone! I won't let this make a Scrooge out of me... heh heh... no 'Bah Humbugs' coming out of me!