Christmas

It's cold, the shops are busy, and this school term is almost at an end. This can mean only one thing...it's nearly Christmas!! Back in England I love Chrimbo...I think it's a great time of year, and as soon as i see the xmas coca-cola lorry advert on the telly, I know that Christmas is just around the corner. I am not really a religious person, but I still feel that this holiday holds a kind of spiritual and emotional significance for me. I love that, in general, there is a real sense of excitement and joy in the air, as the country is united in present shopping, turkey eating, and xmas movie watching (Santa Claus the Movie with Dudley Moore rocks!) Furthermore, in years past, it has been the only time of year that I have spent longer than a day with all my family together. Although, there is the normal christmas family bickering, and the usual disputes over what to watch on the TV, I still cherish that time that I am able to spend with my parents and my brother...altogether. Having spent last christmas in Japan, and looking forward to spending this one in Bangkok, it is only really now that I realise what a special time of year Christmas with your family can be. Don't get me wrong...I am not sad...I am not pining for Christmas in England. I had a wonderful day last year in Hagi with my brother, and friends, and I am sure this year's big day will be amazing, spent among temples, floating markets, and vibrant colours. I am just looking forward to next Christmas...which I fully intend on being at home for! Christmas over here is big, it's bright, and it's fun...but it will never be the same as home. But that's fine...and while I'm here I will treat it as just a different kind of christmas...a time for fun with friends, rather than family...a time to reflect, rather than indulge...and a time to explore foreign lands, rather than rest at home.

Here is some photo evidence of what I have been doing so far to get into the Japanese Christmas spirit.

We happily pose in santa hats for the staff at Mos Burger in Hofu. The photo was going to be put in their window display apparently.

A Christmas night-in round at Hannah's. Lots of food, Hardy's white wine, great company, and the Vanilla Ice movie 'Cool As Ice'...classic!

Browsing what wonderful Christmassy stuff you can buy at the Mall. Christine and Ellen loved the giant snowglobe. Too much?......nah....less is more....pah!