Holiday Spirit in Japan

They often don't know that Christmas is related to Christianity, and almost never know that it's supposed to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but Christmas is everywhere in Japan.  Lights, trees, decorations, and most importantly, clothing sales. 

It's more or less a completely secular holiday here, even though there's a not insignificant number of Christians in Japan.  I've heard it's big for couples to get a hotel room and exchange gifts, kind of Valentine's Day and Prom wrapped up with Christmas.  And it's not a national holiday, in fact I'll be working hard all day on December 25th.

However, there's something about the holiday season that's undeniable and infectious.  This group of caroling children (they even managed to pronounce "We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year") made me about as homesick as I've been so far.

I'll try to get some more pictures of the holiday spirit downtown, but for now I'll leave you with an awesome interaction between me and my supervisor at my second school.

It's nearing the end of the day, and my supervisor (a smiley woman in her 40's with big bright eyes) sidles up to my desk.

"Creighton...do you like to drink milk?"
"Uhh...uh, yes. Yes?"
"There is a lot of milk left over from lunch. I can give it to you to take home, maybe?"
"Oh, sure, that'd be--"
"But please don't tell...it is illegal...if people know...I will be punished."
"...(open mouth)..."

The free milk was delicious.