We were so excited about making our way back home to see family and friends for the holidays.
We also wanted to enjoy the holiday attractions around the city. Christmas is an interesting holiday here.
It has nothing to do with the birth of Christ. It is more an opportunity to advertise, and create an atmosphere for shopping. There are signs in the subway stations with messages that read "Happy Lucky Christmas". Japan likes the decorations piece of Christmas as well. Lights, wreaths and Christmas Trees would sparkle about.
Santa Claus also makes an appearance, and of course he is Japanese. Christmas music is played at all the local coffee shops and restaurants.
Tokyo Midtown was said to be a great spot to take in the lights. The decorations were stunning. It was a spirit filled sight that took our excitement for the holidays to a new level.
This was a two story Christmas Tree shaped frame filled with thousands of Santa Claus ornaments.
Purchasing a Christmas Tree here is another change from the States. Trees are brought to local stores and are priced at 47000 Yen.... somewhere right around 500 US Dollars. Now that is an investment in the holiday!
One of the nicest surprises as we entered into the season, was trees blossoming outside our apartment with gorgeous pink flowers. All kinds of trees throughout the city were in bloom. One large tree was right outside our kitchen window. The trees are still flowering now in February.
Oh, I almost forgot.... one more thing to add on to this. Our neighbor Allison also helped the kids to enjoy something else they love to do during the Christmas Season. In years past they have done this at Grandma's House, but this year it was with the Sweet Sussers. They were kind enough to share their gingerbread house with us, and the kids were each able to decorate a side, with all kinds of candy decorations.
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