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.
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