Christmas Celebration in Japan

Posted on June 15, 2007 by Nene

Last year was my first Christmas in Japan together with my husband. My husband told me that in Japan every Christmas they prepare cakes to celebrate the day. I saw Christmas decorations in some establishments and houses but I still missed the Christmas environment in the Philippines. I missed the Christmas carols, lantern, 'simbang gabi' which I used to attend, 'paputok', kids going from house to house to ask gifts, and of course my family in the Philippines.

The day before Christmas, we went to church to attend Mass and Filipino Christmas Party. The party was lots of fun and I ate Pinoy foods such as pansit, spaghetti, afritada, Chopsuey, Biko, Pineapple, etc. I was grateful at that day that at least I could feel Filipino Christmas spirit.

When we arrived in our house in the evening, Okaasan (my mother-in-law) had already prepared dinner. My husband's brother and his family came to celebrate Christmas with us, the foods served were different kinds of sushi, yakisoba, fried chicken,horenso-goma, vegetable salad, cakes, and ice cream. I really love Japanese food so I was so full and happy. I somewhat forgot my loneliness for my family in Philippines. We drank wine and took pictures. We gave gifts to my husband's nieces. After they left, Okaasan and I were very busy in washing dishes. Then, I wrote an e-mail to my parents, brother, and relatives in the Philippines to greet them a merry Christmas and told them stories about things happened during that day. They replied back that they were happy to know I was also happy.

I realized that even though Japanese are not Christians they also celebrate Christmas with the real spirit which is giving and sharing, celebrating the day with the family. And I realized Japanese are also warm-hearted people just like Filipinos.