Job Discussion Forums

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

The air is turning chilly now here in Japan, and it makes me feel excited for Christmas. But Christmas in Japan is quite sad.. there are no ways to have home comforts like cook yourself a Christmas dinner (though I did pay 5000 yen for one in Nagoya one year- it was terrible) and there are no nice events aside from illumiations that are packed with people.

How is Christmas in the country where you are? My friends over in Shanghai sya that Xmas there is really nice.

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

In HK the locals have really taken to Xmas - many of them regard it as their favourite festival even though it isn't a traditional Chinese festival. So there are lots of lights up and gaudy Xmas trees everywhere - and this all kicks off early, well underway by mid November, with jingly Xmas tunes in the shopping malls. I guess I do kind-of like it - in Korea there was nothing. But I do miss proper cold weather - no chance of snow or frost here!

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

That would be awesome, if only I had an oven in which to cook it. Sad

My Xmas in Korea last year was great because of the snow. But it certainly was lacking in the festive spirit department. Hong Kong sounds like an awesome place to be.

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

no oven eh.......too bad.

I don't actually have an oven either.The microwave also functions as an oven and is big enough to cook a 4kg turkey quite easily.Might be worth looking into buying a new one or a second hand one.........

JLL · Joined: 18 May 2010 Posts: 36

I knew American teachers in Japan who would go to KFC for Thanksgiving because you could get biscuits there!

Anyway I thought Christmas in Japan was pretty cool, they get well into it. Of course, in Japan it's Christmas *Eve* which is the real holiday, but it's more for couples, like Valentine's Day. A friend of mine told me that Christmas Eve is the best time to go pick up single girls in shops and stuff because they are especially lonely that night if they have no one Wink

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

Haha, sadly picking up girls is not everyone's idea of Christmas spirit! I don't like Christmas here at all. I am guessing you are a fellow Brit.. I miss all the pretty lights like in Oxford St and that spirit that makes you want to buy more.. and mince pies... Embarassed

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

When I lived in Korea there was little or no Xmas stuff going on, so we made our own as best we could. We'd get together with some friends and cook a chicken (as near as we could get to turkey) - we had to casserole it as we had no oven - and also cooked the closest veg we could find to the things we would normally use, and gravy etc. Along with plenty of beer, vino, prezzies and a home made Xmas tree and decorations, and a CD or two of Xmas carols, it was good fun and it felt quite Xmassy.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

The Foreign Buyers' Club can be your friend at times like that.

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109