x'mas.

christmas in japan is strange...to say the least. it is clearly celebrated, as trees are up and decorations cover stores at the beginning of november; christmas music is in every store, and most restaurants, but it is almost purely consumerist. the closest american holiday is probably valentine's day: created by the stores to sell more things, and serves the purpose of an excuse for lovers to give each other gifts. therefore, being basically alone for x'mas in japan could be rather depressing. in fact i was expecting the crappiest christmas ever. BUT after a good day hanging out with my friend/tutor, yuji, a couple really good phone calls, and an awesome plan for my substitute christmas (on christmas eve) i think it's going to be alright. today i looked at christmas lights, bought myself presents, and drank chai. tomorrow i will watch die hard, die harder and die hard with a vengeance and anything else i feel like, and eat loads of hotcakes and mellow all day long. of course i will also open the gifts that managed to get here in time.