How to Celebrate Christmas in Japan

Celebrating Christmas in Japan

Christmas trees, twinkling lights and the sound of bells are all symbols of Christmas that every small child in the West will be able to recognize, but other cultures celebrate the holiday, too. If you've wondered how the Japanese approach the Christmas holiday, the answer might surprise you. In Japan, Christmas can be a big celebration. Although it isn't a religious holiday, there's still some magic and style associated with the big day.

Instructions

1. Embrace Santa Claus. The Japanese enjoy the image of Santa Claus, and although Japanese Santa may have a distinctive Asian appearance, he still carries toys to children in an overflowing sled. Celebrations involving children are big in Japanese culture, and Christmas is no exception. Because of his generosity, amusing appearance and infectious laugh, Santa is a favorite with Japanese children.

2. Have a party. Falling during the party season of Bounenkai when the Japanese get together to put the problems of the previous year behind them, Christmas celebrations can be colorful and festive, blending Eastern and Western cultures with a liberal infusion of alcoholic beverages.

3. Bake a cake. Instead of concocting a fruitcake that no one will eat, adopt the Japanese style of fruitcake using a light sponge cake decorated with lots of fresh fruit. The cake won't last as long as a traditional fruitcake, but then your guests will be more likely to eat it, so you won't have to worry about storage.

4. Invite everyone for chicken takeout. Although the traditional Christmas turkey has been replaced with a number of chicken dishes, Christmas dinner is alive and well in Japan. Fried chicken is a popular menu offering, but even chicken teriyaki is common.

5. Buy a tree. Japanese Christmas trees are usually artificial and small, tabletop affairs decorated with origami and ribbons, but they still pop up everywhere around the holiday.

6. Pop the question or plan a romantic dinner. Christmas in Japan may not be a religious occasion, but it can be romantic. Considered a mini-St. Valentine's day, Christmas Eve is a big date night, and everyone wants to have a good time. Plan a memorable evening and start a romance.

7. Go shopping. The Japanese are big gift givers, and Christmas has become a gift-giving occasion. Often manufacturers release new products, like toys and electronics, over the holiday, and the Japanese use their bonuses and love of exchanging gifts to make Christmas a time for presents and fun.