Christmas in Japan

Yesterday was Christmas. We started off the day very Japanese-like by hitting the onsen. Feeling clean and warm, we went over to Nick and Jenny's and whipped up a Christmas meal to be proud of: turkey, mashed 'tatoes, green bean casserole, devilled eggs, apple pie and mulled wine. Tania brought her two kids, a pal, and potatoes au gratin, so we had a nice gathering. Watched Charlie Brown's Christmas and Rudolph, played some cards, and ate a lot. A good time was had by all.

Christmas actually has been adopted by the Japanese. They skip over the whole religious aspect [one of my 1st years was totally shocked that Christmas had anything to do with Christ], and get down to presents and decorations. And yes, they even put the Christmas decorations out in late October. Life is surreal when you're in Japan and think "Man, it's waaay too early for Christmas decorations." Other glorious Japanese Christmas traditions:

* KFC. At some point some KFC rep came over, lied through his teeth, and told the Japanese that Americans all eat fried chicken on Christmas. Come Christmas time, fried chicken is everywhere!

* For afters, the Japanese like to indulge in a little Christmas cake. Usually a white sponge cake, topped with loads of white frosting, and studded with strawberries. Sadly, a "Christmas Cake" also refers to women 26+, as no one wants them after the 25th. :(

*Christmas is a holiday for lovers- the hotel rates soar and vacancies are hard to come by.

*Presents are pretty minor at Christmas. Usually just between lovers, or from parents to children.