The holidays here in Japan are quite different than they are in America. The Japanese who are traditional buddists in recent years began to practice other religions. I attended a baptist church near the Yokota Air Force Base, and was surprised to see many Japanese citizens in attendance. Another thing that struck me as odd is the Christmas and New Years holidays are somewhat "switched." In America we give gifts and visit relatives for Christmans. Whereas, in Japan Christmas day is celebrated with parties and drinks and good cheer. During New Years in America we celebrate together and have parties and and drinks and games. The Japanese normally go visit their Grandparents and recieve gifts called, "O-toshidama." Orginally it is said that on New Years entire families visit the local shrine (ginja) and get small stones (toshidama- year's gem) that was supposed to provide them with good fortune throughout the year. Nowadays, parents go visit their parents and they share meals and recieve money and the children can spend it on whatever they chose.

I, unfortuneally, didn't have a change to enjoy the full effect of the holiday season. Instead I spent it with my cousin, Sonya. We went to a local American style hotel and had a rather large meal. Many Americans with their families where there and Santa was also in attendance.