Many adults in America, including me, have precious memories of Christmas spend with their families, exchanging presents, eating turkey and getting that special gift from Santa. Christmas in America is a BIG event. Really BIG! From the neighborhood houses decorated with lights and plastic lawn ornaments to Christmas toilet paper. Christmas in America is everywhere! Compared to the “super-sized” Christmas in America, Christmas is Japan is “pocket-sized”. To find Christmas in Japan, you have to look for it. In fact, Christmas in Japan is NOT a holiday at all. Americans forget that Christmas is celebrated in different countries (if at all) in different ways. As in America, the Japanese malls are decorated with Christmas trees and lights, but with the subtle Japanese sense of simplicity. If you look, you can even find “Santa-san” with a child on his lap, asking for the latest computer game. Mainly, Christmas is celebrated by young couples, but has gained popularity with families with young children. Couples exchange presents and eat “Christmas cake”, which is a delicious strawberry short cake decorated with a Christmas theme. While the good boys and girls sleep, Santa leaves a present by their pillows to await them in the morning. Children in Japan have many questions about Santa Claus.” Where does Santa live?”,” If I don’t have a chimney how does he get into my house?” and the BIG question… Is Santa Claus real?” YES, Yuriko, there IS a Santa Claus! He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy! Merry Christmas and Peace, Bob.
