Ah. Christmas! The season of anticipating snow, seeing lush trees dressed in dazzling lights, and the sound of songs, laughter, and crinkling wrapping paper in the air. For many families in the “United States,” Christmas is “X-TREME,” hence “X-mas,” lol! It has a background in faith and traditions, commercial and giving purposes. Numerous countries celebrate the holiday, each with its own flares. However, not every nation does. My beloved Nihon (Japan), for example, being only 1% Christain, takes some of the fun aspects of Christmas to sprinkle into their own rich December festivities.
It is time for another Culture Lesson, this time over the season to be jolly.
Christmas in Japan VS. America: Culture Lesson:
Christmas Trees and Santa Suits: Christmas Trees and the stories of Santa Clause come from Europe originally and have been loved and adopted the world over, especially in The United States. Nearly every home or major building has a tree gracing its places and Santas can be seen at every mall or street corner ringing bells. In Japan, the main area you will see Christmas trees is large ones in malls or in squares of major cities, a sight for those who want to see it to behold. Santa suits are also worn for advertisements or maybe parties, but kids do not sit on his lap. They are just fun decore.
Christmas Feasts: Ah! Here in the states, we bring in the turkey with all the trimmings! Literally! Mashed potatoes, casseroles, pies. It is all there! However, Japan has a different flavor profile for their Christmas meal. And it is our fault! LOL!
Back in the 70’s, when Kentucky Fried Chicken came over to Japan, their commercials showed everyone in the U.S. eating and enjoying the staple, crispy chicken buckets for their holiday meal, smiles all over their faces. So, Japan assumed we did this and got on board. Oh man! Did they love it! Now, KFC chicken is the staple Christmas dinner in the Land of the Rising Sun. In fact, if you want to make sure you have your bird goodness, over there you need to order your chicken with all the fixings about three months in advance!
The Mr. Sanders statues tend to also be dressed up in festive Santa suits this time of year! ^_^
Work, Work, Work: One of the greatest things about the holidays is admittedly, several people get time off or try to in order to spend time with loved ones. Almost every business is closed as well in America. Yet, in Japan, Christmas is a regular day. Businesses are open. People go to work. Shopping and hanging out are fun things to do. It is another day, just with more decore.
NOW, CHRISTMAS EVE is a little different. Last-minute shoppers for those who want to get gifts are bustling. December 24th is the busiest date day of the year in Japan (and only couples usually exchange gifts, if at all.) Couples love holding hands, going out, and getting cozy, seeing the district’s lovely lights and displays while going to cafes, movies, karaoke, or more. Shops and workplaces DO close EARLY on the 24th so people can spend time with loved ones and Christmas parties or dates can be planned.
Desserts are SWEET: We all love the pretty and delicious treats Christmas brings. Green and red cupcakes, candy canes, gingerbread houses, chocolate confections, and so much more. The list and creativity are endless. But, the ‘traditional’ goodie that forms in my head is always cookies. Leaving Santa warm chocolate chip cookies with milk as a thank you for the presents. Finding adorable cookie cutters to make fun shapes then frosting them in radical designs, making them come to life.
Japan has a different, but just as tasty treasured Christmas sweet: cake! Christmas cake tends to be a round cake with white icing and strawberries on top, decorated in neat designs or “Merry Christmas” written in a fine chocolate drizzle. Plastic pieces of Santa, snowmen, trees, and more can be added for another touch.
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No matter how you celebrate the month, it is so wonderful to learn about other cultures and what makes them feel special with their loved ones. No matter where you are or how you want to go about it, I hope your holiday season and each day in between are as bright and breathtaking as the Christmas lights displays in Japan. ^_^
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Happy Holidays with all my warmest love. Stay geeky! 🙂
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Educator of young minds by day, super nerdy savior of justice, and cute things by night, Morgan Straughan Comnick has a love for turning the normal into something special without losing its essence. Morgan draws from real-life experiences and her ongoing imagination to spark her writing. In her spare time, she enjoys doing goofy voices, traveling to new worlds by turning pages, humming child-like songs, and forcing people to smile with her “bubbliness.” It is Morgan’s mission in life to spread the amazement of otaku/Japanese culture to the world and to stop bullying; she knows everyone shines brightly.
For more information about Morgan and her works, check out her website, which also has links to all her social medias: http://morganscomnick.com
