Christmas In Japan

Christmas decorations in stores in Japan begin immediately after Halloween. As soon as the Halloween decorations go down then the Christmas decorations go up and Christmas carols can be heard in the shopping malls and stores.

So when is Christmas celebrated ? InJapan it seems that the big day is Christmas Eve. 

Then on December 25th, it feels like Christmas is already over after all the excitement from the night of the eve. From December 25th, the decorations are taken down and the Santa costumes are put away in preparation for the New Year festivities to  begin. The custom in other countries for Christmas is usually a stay-at-home family event with children going to bed early on Christmas Eve to make sure Santa arrives with his bag of presents. To then awaken early Christmas Day full of zest and ready for the Christmas feast of stuffed roast turkey with mashed potatoes, vegetables with gravy and cranberry sauce. Christmas then rolls onto Boxing Day held on December 26th.  However it is custom in Japan it seems that young couples feel it the time for a romantic dinner for two on Christmas Eve. This evening young men dressed in Santa attire holding “Free Hugs” signs.

The Christmas spirit is the “spirit of giving.” Ideally a time to focus on what one can do for others and sharing the most precious gift of all, love.

I am always so amazed at the effort that goes into the Christmas party food by one Japanese mother that I know.  Here are a couple of her delicious delights that she made this year. Baked apple with strawberries and a cinnamon roll.

Santa’s In Shinuya With Starwars Saber Stcks 

Hachiko at Shibuya Station 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas for 2017