Christmas in Japan

With only less than 1 percent of Japan's population being Christian, Christmas here lacks all spiritual meaning. Instead it is a very commercial holiday, more like Valentine's Day in the United States. Gifts are many times romantic in nature. Some shops are decorated in hearts and talk about "Christmas Love". And for some strange reason there are Christmas costumes, such as reindeer, Santa girls, and snowmen, for adults (yes I said ADULTS) everywhere. I am not quite sure I want that fascination explained to me. Shops, restaurants, businesses are open on Christmas Day. It is almost like any other day. It is a cute holiday with very little tradition.

When talking with my hairdresser a few weeks ago, he did tell me Santa comes for younger children. But there is no milk and cookies the night before. In fact, he thought the idea of leaving Santa cookies was rather odd. There is no jolly Santa sitting in shopping areas waiting for kids to come tell their wish list. No stockings hung by the chimney with care. No cute songs about Dasher, Dancer and Rodolph. 

There is some tradition for what a family may do on Christmas Eve. A KFC Christmas Chicken Dinner is quite popular. Some Japanese will make reservations for their "Christmas Chicken" ahead of time and then line up outside their local store to pick up their orders. Thanks to KFCs brilliant marketing effort, the Japanese believe Westerners celebrate Christmas with a chicken dinner instead of ham, turkey or beef.  Christmas Eve is celebrated by eating a "Christmas Cake".  Stores everywhere have elaborately decorated, small, homemade cakes (which cost about $45 USD and up), which people can preorder and pick up just before or on Christmas Eve.

Here are a few examples of what the cakes look like. And if you look closely, there is not a single fruitcake on the list.

I will take a pass on the KFC dinner, but I wonder how much convincing it would take to get Matt on board with the Christmas cake. A way to a man's heart is through his stomach right?

Merry Christmas!!!

How strange it is to be sitting on the beach for Christmas Eve, in a country that does not celebrate Christmas like we do. Since we are staying at a Sheraton Hotel they are having Christmas "activities", but to put things in perspective Matt and I are going to a "Very Scary Christmas Eve" party down the hall this evening. And the decorations? A coffin decorated with Christmas decorations and skulls. Don't worry there is a tree too. The servers are wearing Santa suits with their faces painted. So odd. I keep thinking it has to be one of those tv deals where someone jumps out saying I am being "punked". But hey, it makes me miss my family a wee bit less since it just doesn't even feel like Christmas here.

We will be celebrating Christmas when we return back to Japan in December 27. Santa was a real nice fellow and agreed to come late to our house since it would be much easier on him and us. So make sure when you put out your cookies and milk tonight for Santa you remind him for us his promise to come just a few days late to the Jacobs' house. Sami would be really appreciative. :-)

So to all my friends and family... we love you and we miss you. Alot.

Merry Christmas!!!

"Wow" Moment

Today was the beginning of a 26 1/2 day long winter break from school. The week has been full of last minute homework, special treats, small gifts and over stimulated children. Today was filled with class parties, a dodgeball game, a middle school talent show, a 5th grade bowling party and holiday appetizers and drinks with friends. It wasn't until I had a chance to sit down tonight that I really had a chance to process what went on all around me.

Obviously I have not been clueless to the different nationalities of expats, as well as the local Japanese, living here. However, today as I watched my kids interact with their friends, I really had a "wow" moment. I never dreamed in a million of years my kids would have friends from all over the world. They have friends from Japan, Canada, Korea, India, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Taiwan, Thailand, France, Iran, Sweden and China. When I was Sam's age I didn't even know these places existed. Chris is one of the only Americans in all fifth grade (He may even be the only one since one of the kids just moved) so he really has had an eye opening experience. Emily has more international friends than Americans.

As I stood in the school today I heard their friends shout "Goodbye! Have a nice break! Happy New Year!" in English and then turn around and say the same thing to someone else in their own native language. Some kids could say it in multiple languages. I heard chatter of "where are you going over break?" "Do you have any plans" and "I get to go home!" throughout the school. There was excitement in the air, whether the kids were staying in Japan, going on a holiday somewhere or going to their home country after not being back for 5+ months. (We have friends who are going home for the first time in over 2 years!)

Christmas has been a very hard holiday since we lost Allison. And when we made the decision to not go back to the states this December for multiple reasons, I felt very secure in our decision. But I have to admit Thanksgiving here was hard. And now that the reality we are not going home for Christmas has sunk in, I am a wee bit homesick. I miss my family. I miss my friends. I feel like a bad parent not being there to visit Allison for Christmas. I miss our holiday traditions.

But, as I sit and think about today, I think of the memories and experiences we are creating for our kids. I think about how much our kids have changed since moving here 11 months ago. I think about the new memories we will create as a family, spending Christmas and New Years in Asia. I hope they will look back on our short time here with fondness, as I do so many memories from my own childhood.

Passion Christmas

Christmas in Japan is much different than Christmas in the states. With less than 1 percent of the population being Christian there are no mangers, wise men, or baby Jesus wrapped in cloth. Not even a hint that to some it may exist. You see lots of bows, ribbons and tiny trees. You will hear Christmas music in stores, but most people have no clue what is being sung. And while I see very little Christmas in stores compared to what I am used to, according to expats that have been in Japan even a few years ago, there is double what used to be.

At our local grocery store there are signs everywhere for "Passion Christmas". Those two words just don't mix in my mind. After some googling, I have learned that Christmas here is about Christmas Cakes, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and sex.

The Japanese are great lovers of festivals and celebrations, so it only makes sense that they would like Christmas. Christmas Eve is celebrated by eating a 'Christmas Cake', which the father of the family purchases on his way home from work. Stores all over carry versions of this Christmas cake and then reduce the price drastically on Christmas Day. This has resulted in an expression in which young girls are referred to as a 'Christmas cakes': marriageable until their 25th birthday and requiring heavy discounts to get married after their 25th birthdays.

A KFC Christmas Chicken Dinner has become quite popular. Some Japanese will make reservations for their "Christmas Chicken" ahead of time and then line up outside their local store to pick up their orders. Thanks to KFCs brilliant marketing effort, the Japanese believe that Westerners celebrate Christmas with a chicken dinner instead of ham, turkey or roasts.

Christmas in Japan is more like what us Westerners would call Valentine's Day. Presents will be flowers, stuffed animals and jewelry. Presents are reserved for those who we may have romantic feelings for or close friends. It is a time for boys and girls to reveal their affection for one another. Married couples (and I am sure many unmarried ones too) will book rooms at "love hotels", a very popular type of hotel in Japan where people go for just a few hours to have sex.

Passion Christmas... it had to have been thought up by a man.

Preschool Christmas

Sami had her preschool Christmas program last week. It was such a cute play about the birth of Jesus, full of costumes, songs and bell ringers. Sami was too cute ringing her bells and singing.



Afterwards they had a Christmas pizza party and book exchange. The kids were so excited when Santa made a surprise visit.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!

Love,
Matt, Alexis, Emily, Chris and Sami

More Cool Gifts

We made the long drive back to Ohio on Tuesday to visit for the holidays. We are having such a good time visiting family and friends. Last night we sat and played Mexican train dominoes with my brother and sister-in-law and it was fun to get to hang out with them. My mom and I spent yesterday doing after-holiday shopping. It was craziness, but worth it. I miss not living closer to my family.

I want to share two really cool gifts I got.

I am really in the technology world now. My mom was concerned about the traveling I do and talking on the cell phone. So she gave me a Bluetooth for my cell phone! Now if I could just figure out how to use it...

Shannon got me these kick-arse Ohio State Crocs. Aren't they cool!!??!! I have to say they are like walking on air. I am needing to buy myself a neutral pair now.

Merry Christmas!!

It was a wonderful Christmas day at the Jacobs' house. The looks on the kids faces as they opened each present was priceless and will forever be etched in my memory. This was the first year Matt didn't guess each present I bought him and he was happy with every gift he got. I got more than I ever asked for. I got new spice rack to match my kitchen, an ilive ipod boombox (it even has a CD player and a radio! PERFECT for the beach), an ipod armband, a stainless steel drink shaker, golf balls, golf towel, golf gloves and tees.

We had a family-fun filled day. The girls helped me get dinner ready and everything in the oven. Then we had a cornhole tournament (Matt's big gift) where Em and I kicked Matt and Chris's butt's THREE times. We have been crowned Cornhole Queens. (However since Matt is sick he claims we need a rematch when he is feeling 100 percent). We watched Christmas shows and just hung out together. I think Matt knows this Christmas was a bit lonely for me because this is the first Christmas here. Not having any family and friend's nearby make holiday's hard. But tomorrow we are driving back to Ohio, and I am looking forward to seeing family and catching up with friends.

I hope everyone had a wonderful, blessed Christmas.


The kids waiting at the top of the steps before they were allowed down to see if Santa came. Needless to say Sam isn't very happy.
Sam opening her Disney CD player.
Chris opening his motor erector set.
Emily showing off her i-dog.
Sam showing off her doodle bear from Santa.
Emily loves her new chair!
Matt opening his cornhole game. Boy was he surprised!
It was raining outside so we set up the game in Em's room.
I'm getting ready to toss my beanbag.
Getting ready to eat our Christmas dinner.
I was very proud of my twice baked potatoes.

'Twas the night before Christmas

Christmas Eve at the Jacobs' house.

And we are ready...

I finally have all my shopping and wrapping done. We are officially ready for Christmas now. (okay so I cut it close, but hey it's done)

Sam is going crazy not being able to open any presents. She says 2 days is too long to wait. And Emily and Chris keep shaking every present trying to guess what they are. I can't wait to see all their faces on Christmas morning!

Run, Tuck and Roll

Last night was the gymnastics Christmas party. I am so glad we decided to stay. Since the gym was open for team members and their family's only we were allowed to do whatever we wanted. That included the parents. So some of us took advantage and tried some gymnastics moves ourselves. I am proud to say that I managed to land a double front into the pit and I was the only parent who managed to climb the rope to the ceiling. I even got enough guts to free fall from the ceiling into the pit. Needless to say, Matt warned me that he was not taking me to the hospital for any broken bones. I didn't want to admit to him this morning that I could barely get out of bed I was so sore.

Emily showing off her Secret Santa present from Rachel.
Emily flipping through the air. (and yes she landed on her feet)
Here I am doing a front tuck into the pit. This may even be my double front.
Emily and her friend Jessica.
Chris climbing to the top of the net to drop into the pit.
Emily showing off her new PJ pants that Lauren's grandma made her.

Showing off my skills some more.
Sam attempting to jump into the pit.
Matt even joined in the fun.

MNO Christmas Dinner

Tonight was our playgroup's MNO Christmas Dinner. It was so much fun eating, drinking wine, chatting and having a gift exchange. Talk about a much needed night. I think many are feeling the Holiday stress, so it was nice to have a relaxing, kid-free night.

Kim, the hostess, made a turkey and a ham and then we all brought sides or other items to share. There was so many good things to eat I think we all had to be rolled out of there.

Then we had a gift exchange. We all drew numbers and then had the opportunity to steal presents for others. I came home with some nice peach shower gel, lotion, shampoo and conditioner. And Mandy canned homemade salsa for each of us. (Matt is excited about that one)

No one will ever replace the awesome and wonderful friends I have made along the many paths I have traveled. But I am really enjoying the people here and have met an great group of ladies. I look forward to the fun and exciting times ahead. And with these gals, I am sure there will be many.

(I had pics to upload buy Blogger is being a PITA and erroring out for some reason.)

Another Christmas Favorite

I tend to like the non-traditional Christmas music. I am not sure why. A few weeks ago I shared Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Christmas Canon Rock. Another song I love is Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven.

Enjoy.

Kids Christmas Party

This morning was the Caterpillar Kid's Christmas party, and since I had to be at the gym early to work my shift for the meet, Matt got to take the kids alone. He was a good boy and remembered to take pictures for me.

Cat rented out a movie theatre and each family was given a choice of 5 movies to attend. To the kids and Matt's surprise they even all got movie meals... and we never even had to pay a cent. The kids choose to see Happy Feet, and while Matt says the message was good, he felt it was too over the top for kids, especially Emily who is getting old enough to understand some of the things being said. Regardless, they kids thought it was cute.

After the movie, the kids all got a turn to sit on Santa's lap and chat with him about what they wanted for Christmas. Emily told me later that she just sat on Santa's lap for Sam's benefit. They got some great gifts for each of them too. I was quite impressed. Matt even remembered to ask if they could all 3 get a picture taken together.

There Are Good People In This World

Sometimes when I read the newspaper and watch the news I wonder if there are any good, caring, people in this world.

In March 2001, Matt and I decided to try for a third child. During that time I found an online message board called Storknet. It is an online community for people trying to get pregnant, struggling to get pregnant, are pregnant, have children, have lost children... basically any walk of life you can think of. (We even have a few grandmas, but don't get any ideas mom) As strange as it sounds, people who have never met form bonds and become friends.

When Allison died the people at Storknet were amazing. Several members made their way to Ohio for the funeral. I received cards, calls, scrapbooks, and they even set up a memorial fund in Allison's name. Today I received a package in the mail (and we all know how much I love mail) from one of the Storkies I have never met.


Karen sent me this gorgeous ornament because she said she saw it and it made her think of Allison and she hoped that when I looked at it that it would help me feel like she was a part of our Christmas too. It just blows me away that someone I have never even met face-to-face would do something like that. There are some really amazing people out there.

Thank you Karen. It means more than you ever will know.

Deck The Halls

Deck the halls with boughs of holly...

Okay so we didn't "deck any halls", but we did decorate the tree. It was a bittersweet time, but Sam hugging Matt and I and telling us that it is the "best Christmas ever" helped bring a smile to our faces through the tears.

The kids asked for a star instead of the traditional angel we have every year.
Sami hanging ornaments. We had to only allow her to do non-glass bulbs after she dropped two and they shattered.
Merry Christmas Allie. We miss you.
Chris hard at work.
Sami deciding which ornament to hang next. (Hey dad. Remember when you took me to buy those?)
The Jacobs' Family tree, 2006.