Christmas in America is overwhelming for me. This Christmas, I attended one of my coworkers Christmas gathering. There are many differences on Christmas between Japan and America. So tonight, I would like to write about my experience and impressions for both.
Christmas of my family (Japan)
First of all, we are not Christians. Most of Japanese are not, but many people “enjoy” Christmas. Not “celebrate”, “enjoy”.
When I was a child, we enjoyed Christmas dinner my mother made. American often ask me “do you guys eat KFC on Christmas in Japan?” Yes. My father went shopping and bought fried chickens at KFC. Here are some of common dish for Christmas in Japan. (Beware! These are just my opinion!)
- Fried chicken (KFC is the most famous. Grocery stores and other fast-food shops sell fried chickens too)
- Pasta
- Pizza
- Anything the family members (especially kids) like
My family also ate these. After that, we ate “Christmas cake”. In Japan, Christmas is the busiest day for cake shops.
The most important for kids is getting presents. Like kids in other countries which celebrate Christmas, they write letters and ask Santa Clause to give them what they want.
I asked one present for one year. When I was 8, I made Santa Claus panic by asking for a Nintendo game, which was popular and sold out at everywhere at that time.
What I experienced in the U.S.
Here in America, this year I was invited to Christmas dinner of my colleague. What I experienced are …
- Enjoying appetizer
- Prying before the meal with holding hands
- Eating dinner together (pasta, chicken)
- Gift exchange
- Enjoying Christmas songs (Kids were singing)
If I express my impression in one word, it must be “overwhelming”. For example, at gift exchange there are so many gifts for each person, not only for kids but also for adults. These presents were wrapped beautifully but they torn it open. Actually, I wanted to open it without ripping papers … And I felt happy to be born in Japan because I can’t afford to buy so many gifts every year (sadly).
American Christmas is very festive. My colleagues decorated our office with trees, ornaments, and socks. I really like to see those lovely decorations.
During this holiday season, I often asked “Do Japanese eat KFC on Christmas?” When I said yes, they laughed a lot. Hey, don’t laughed at us. Be proud of an American company doing great advertisement in a foreign country!
When I explain the difference of Christmas culture, I wanted to say one thing, but I held back. Hotels for couples are full on Christmas Eve …
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