Romantic Christmas

I was just browsing through some advertisements sent via snail mail and came across this interesting article. I shall share with my readers what I read inside the interesting article:

Have you ever been to Japan during Christmas? Have you ever wondered the significance of Christmas to Japanese?

In Japan, Christmas Eve has long been hyped by the media as a season for romantic "miracles". The Christmas season in Japan is somewhat closer to the Western concept of "Valentine's Day". It is regarded as the time to spend with your other half in the most romantic settings. In addition, girls also take the opportunity to reveal their affections to boys and vice versa.

Now, that is an interesting idea altogether! In my perspective, I often thought of Christmas as the time to party with friends and loved ones. The best way to celebrate it is either to countdown with a huge crowd at some countdown party OR to find a quiet place to enjoy life (eg sip some good wine and reminisce on the year that has passed).

The Japanese celebrate Christmas Eve by eating a "Christmas cake". The prices of the cakes are pushed down on 25 Dec every year in order to sell all cakes by 26 Dec. Hence, there is a sarcastic comparison to young ladies (http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/christmas.html). In olden days, young ladies are referred to as "Christmas cakes": marriageable until their 25th birthday and requiring heavy discounts to get married after their 25th birthdays. Well, I cannot agree with that statement! Afterall, marriage is not a transaction measured by monetary terms. It's still worth the wait for a special someone.

In Western cultures, it is often a tradition to have a turkey on the dining table. However, in Japan, you can't find a turkey. Well, that is if you book one online to be couriered over. Therefore, Japanese often eat fried chicken during Christmas celebrations. Should you do a google, Christmas dinner in Japan = fried chicken = Kentucky Fried Chicken! (Click this) *wow*

Christmas in Japan is definitely one experience different from that of Singapore. It seems KFC has the monopoly in Japan in terms of fried chicken...... perhaps other fast food joints selling fried chicken can consider Japan as a potential market?!