The year end fast approaches, and where has it all gone? The weather in Tokyo sucks and soon we'll be queuing for our tickets for the queue for KFC (yes, you queue for the queue). And if you're wondering, dating back to somewhere in the mid-1990's when KFC ran a campaign of "Christmas isn't Christmas without Kentucky Friend Chicken" and it became as much a tradition as the German drunk butler (and that one you'll need to look up elsewhere). Has to be said though, it is not one of those customs I've ever actually indulged in.
Christmas is a working day here but back in the days when I actually used to work, I'd take the day off, burn the turkey, realise I'd forgotten something and try to explain in my local supermarket exactly what it was I was looking for, non-too easy when I only know the English word and the hardworking staff wouldn't have a clue what I was in a panic about. But that's part of the fun of Christmas in your non-native language. At least clotted cream is more widely available these days.
And so the decorations are up in the house, walking along our road though it is sadly noticeable that ours is the only Santa inflated and on display. This isn't a reflection of religeon in any way though, but more a lack of children. Come May and the flying fish (koi-nobori) celebrating children's (well, ok, boys') day are also missing compared to years ago when I moved to this area of Tokyo. There just aren't the kids anymore. And, although something I miss, I'm not giving up. Now we are empty nesters it's chicken rather than turkey for the table but the Xmas pudding is prepared (although my wife isn't a huge fan it has to be said) and the crackers shall be pulled. And winter will arrive this weekend. At 12.03 noon time in Tokyo on Saturday. Happy Christmas.
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