Older kids and teenagers still receive gifts from their parents. They often get clothes, video games, books, or something related to their hobbies. And lots of candy. Teenagers also exchange gifts with their boyfriends, girlfriends, or friends. They usually spend Christmas day with their parents, but may also have dinner with a girlfriend or boyfriend's family. When I was about 17 or 18, I invited my high school boyfriend over to open presents and spend time with my family.
Although a teenage boyfriend or girlfriend may spend the night Christmas Eve, Christmas is not a "romantic" event as in Japan. It's all rather innocent and they enjoy opening gifts Christmas morning, just like little kids do. Even for most adult couples, it's family time- not sexy time! It's a good time to relax and get to know each others' families.
Adults also exchange presents- especially husbands and wives. The presents are often surprises, and put under the tree with kids presents. Men often buy underwear or clothes for their girlfriends or wives. Jewelry and perfume are also common gifts. Women may buy cologne, clothes, video games, or other stuff for their boyfriends. They don't get as many gifts as kids, but they do usually get several items. Adults also still receive gifts from their parents! I am 30 years old- my mom sends me stuff for Christmas. I also send her something. Of course, it's a surprise.
Some Christians do something religious or go to church. They celebrate the birth of Jesus. Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah instead of Christmas. Sometimes there are religious programs on TV. Different families have their own traditions or special food they like to eat. There is a lot of variety, but in general people enjoy time with family and gift giving.
No matter what your tradition, have a happy holiday! And a happy New Year too. ^-^
Friday, December 7, 2012
American Christmas! (part 1) kids
Christmas is Japan is quite different than Christmas in America, England, and other English speaking countries.
Many kids believe in Santa until about 8 years old. If they believe in Santa, then sometime in December they write a Christmas list of things they want. Sometimes they give it to a Santa at the mall. Most malls have an old guy dressed as Santa. Kids tell him what they want and get their picture taken. This "list" may have 5 toys on it, or even 10 or 20 items. Some kids write down EVERYTHING they want- a rocket ship, a horse, a big screen TV, etc.
On Christmas Eve, after the kids go to bed, the parents take out all the presents from where ever they have hidden them and put them under the tree. Also, kids (and adults too) often have a stocking. That is filled with candy, small toys, or other cheap items.The kids wake up early Christmas morning and open everything.
When kids stop believing in Santa, they just give the list to mom and dad. Some Japanese kids stop getting a gift if they don't believe in Santa, but in America, kids get gifts even if they don't believe anymore. They just have to thank mom and dad! Older kids are more aware of money and may not ask for so much crazy expensive stuff.
Most children get several presents. A typical middle class kid may get 20 or more gifts from "Santa." Very few kids get only one present. Also, they get something from grandparents or aunts and uncles. They also may exchange gifts with their close friends. Typical presents include dolls, stuffed animals, video games, action figures, DVDs, books, arts and crafts stuff, sports equipment and clothes. Girls get things like nail polish, earrings, or hair accessories in their stockings.They also get boring stuff like socks and underwear. Opening it all up is great fun. There are many surprises.
After that, many families invite grandparents or other relatives over for lunch or dinner. Many people eat ham, roast beef, or turkey. There is no Christmas cake like in Japan. We do have Christmas cookies and often pie. British foods are a little different from American. Many people bake and exchange cookies or candy around Christmas time. People play Christmas music and little kids enjoy singing songs or watching Christmas movies.
Basically, Christmas for children is about gifts, good food, and spending time with family. It's a lot of fun.
Many kids believe in Santa until about 8 years old. If they believe in Santa, then sometime in December they write a Christmas list of things they want. Sometimes they give it to a Santa at the mall. Most malls have an old guy dressed as Santa. Kids tell him what they want and get their picture taken. This "list" may have 5 toys on it, or even 10 or 20 items. Some kids write down EVERYTHING they want- a rocket ship, a horse, a big screen TV, etc.
On Christmas Eve, after the kids go to bed, the parents take out all the presents from where ever they have hidden them and put them under the tree. Also, kids (and adults too) often have a stocking. That is filled with candy, small toys, or other cheap items.The kids wake up early Christmas morning and open everything.
When kids stop believing in Santa, they just give the list to mom and dad. Some Japanese kids stop getting a gift if they don't believe in Santa, but in America, kids get gifts even if they don't believe anymore. They just have to thank mom and dad! Older kids are more aware of money and may not ask for so much crazy expensive stuff.
Most children get several presents. A typical middle class kid may get 20 or more gifts from "Santa." Very few kids get only one present. Also, they get something from grandparents or aunts and uncles. They also may exchange gifts with their close friends. Typical presents include dolls, stuffed animals, video games, action figures, DVDs, books, arts and crafts stuff, sports equipment and clothes. Girls get things like nail polish, earrings, or hair accessories in their stockings.They also get boring stuff like socks and underwear. Opening it all up is great fun. There are many surprises.
After that, many families invite grandparents or other relatives over for lunch or dinner. Many people eat ham, roast beef, or turkey. There is no Christmas cake like in Japan. We do have Christmas cookies and often pie. British foods are a little different from American. Many people bake and exchange cookies or candy around Christmas time. People play Christmas music and little kids enjoy singing songs or watching Christmas movies.
Basically, Christmas for children is about gifts, good food, and spending time with family. It's a lot of fun.
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