A week before Christmas, a few of my Jidoukan friends and I planned a luncheon party in the recreation hall of our Park Homes apartment. As always, there was plenty to eat and sufficient space for the high-energy kids who played and ran around for nearly four hours. Over lunch, it was nice to share holiday family traditions with the other mothers. Most discussed how they were gearing up for the New Year celebrations - the most important holiday of the year in Japan. It's always interesting to hear the difference in celebrating holidays among cultures.
On December 24th, Markus and I went to a children's Christmas mass at our parish in Roppongi. After the pleasant service, we walked around and did some shopping, then chilled at my favourite cafe in Ebisu for a donut and coffee...well, Markus had a warm milk. There were crowds of people shopping, as always, however the confectionery shops seemed to be busier then ever with folks buying Christmas cakes and pastries. Despite having to work Christmas Eve and Day, Rodney was able to free himself earlier than usual for both days. Coming from a large family, our holiday festivities back in my hometown are joyfully hectic. So this year's Christmas was surely different frow what we're accustomed and needless to say, I missed being with my family very much. Though I've mentioned it plenty of times before, thank goodness for Skype. Being able to see and talk to family and friends during real time was the next best thing to being home for the holidays.
On Christmas Eve, when I asked Markus what type of cookies he wanted to leave for Santa, he suggested animal crackers and milk to drink! With reason, we explained to Markus that we lent Santa a key to the front door to come in and drop off gifts. It was either that, or have Santa climb up six floors to enter in through our balcony. Markus agreed that it wasn't a good idea. He assumed Santa's reindeer waited on the roof of the building. The next morning, Markus was eager to open more gifts - his new favourite thing to do. He got what he asked for from Santa; a Diego video and a Little Einsteins' book. Then he asked us why we didn't receive gifts from Santa...funny boy! "Only to good little boys and girls," we explained.
On Christmas Day, I had a Japanese lesson scheduled. It was nice to have Keiko come by for lunch and spend the a few hours with us. That evening, Mihoko invited us to her home for a delicious Japanese Christmas dinner, and more gifts. Together, we had a very pleasant evening with our Japanese family!
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