When I am in Japan, I have a wonderful time going to my wife's hometown in Kasugai, Aichi. We spend a traditional New Year's together, eating O-sechi, and visiting the nearby shrine to pray for the New Year and drink a small cup of sake. I really enjoy this relaxing time with my family!
When I spend the holidays in the United States, the atmosphere is similar, but has many differences as well. One big difference is that Christmas is the big event at this time. New Year's Eve is a fun day for partying and celebrating the end of the year countdown, but New Year's Day is not the same "family event" as it is in Japan. For me and my family, Christmas is the time to spend relaxing and enjoying the company of my family and friends.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, it is a tradition in my family to cut down a real Christmas Tree for display in our house. We drive out into the countryside to a special Christmas Tree Farm, and pay money to select our own tree, cut it down, and bring it home with us.
After getting the tree home, we set it up in a special stand, play some Christmas music, and then decorate the tree. This is one of my favorite things to do during the year!
Later, on Christmas Eve, we usually have a party at our house, and eat delicious food, share drinks, and listen to Christmas songs while exchanging presents. On Christmas morning, we spend family time together and open up our presents underneath the tree. It is a truly wonderful time of the year!
I wish all of my students a very Merry Christmas, and a wonderful New Year! See you in 2014!
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