Every year in Australia, someone always ask me if Japanese celebrate Christmas.
My answer is "Yes" but it's more of an excuse to have a party. For some reasons, we celebrate Christmas eve, not the Christmas day. And Christmas day is NOT public holiday.
I think celebrating Christmas culture started when my parents were little. (They are in their 60s now). But it was for people who could afford to do so. Many people were still very poor after the war.
As for me(born in 80s), I always celebrated Christmas with family and I believed in Santa Clause too.
I think many people still think Japanese are Buddhist therefore we don't celebrate Christmas but in fact, majority of us don't have religion. We celebrate whatever is fun and make money if we are running shops.
Having said that, new year eve and the new year day are very important for us. Family member gather around, eat traditional new year cuisine, go to a shrine for a new year prayer, etc.
I'm usually back in Japan this time of the year but not this time. As much as I like Australia, I still prefer to be in Japan for new year's eve and the new year.
But I love Christmas spirit here!! I bought more Christmas decorations this time and also bought many Christmas cookies from a lady I met at Kirribilli market. (Please refer to the photo)
Her business name is All That's Nice. You can find her from her facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/allthatsnicecookies?ref=ts&fref=ts
Thanks so much to all the people who supported Kyo Modern this year. I wish everyone a bright and delightful holiday seasons!!
