Seeking the lights of the holidays

We've had in our schedule for over a month to go to the onsen today.  We knew we need a day of rest and relaxation, and we always get that when we soak in the baths at the onsen.  After a lovely day at Ooedo Onsen Monogatari, my family decided we weren't ready to go home just yet.  The holiday lights attracted us and we were up for an evening on the town (not very many nights on the town for those of us with young kids in tow). 

We made our way to Roppongi Hills to see some trees near my husband's office.  He had already seen them, but wanted us to see them for our own eyes.

The first tree he shared with us was affectionately named "My Dear Chunky".  It was a tree built out of long beanbag chairs layered to took like knitted fabric.  Upon first sight, I actually burst out laughing.  I had never seen anything like it.  Guests were allowed to sit on the bottom of the tree.  I must say, it was quite comfy.  I definitely could have sat there with a cup of tea and a good book for a long time.

Up next was their Holiday Market, which is a little German pop up with several little stands.  I could not resist purchasing a Lebkuchen cookie from one of the vendors.  I closed my eyes and relished each and every bite.  I love these cookies down to my toes.  A former co-worker's husband made them every Christmas and I would never share them! 

We rushed through the Holiday Market, knowing our son was running out of steam and he wanted to see more lights.

On our way to see the "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree" (as my husband described it), we stopped to take some photos of Tokyo Tower.  It might not be Christmas-y, but it still always brings a smile to our faces as we remember the excitement of our son whenever he would see it when we first moved here.  The sound of his joyful voice shouting "Tokyo Tower!" always brings us cheer.

The final stop was to see the scrawny tree wrapped with fake poinsettias, and lights that would fade in a out.  I understood  his description immediately.  It was a very sad tree.

Earlier this week, I was talking with a friend from Scotland.  He mentioned how it was hard for him to celebrate Christmas in Japan because, in part, all the religious aspects of the holiday have been removed.  He used to teach his students about how Christmas is actually a Christian celebration of Jesus' birth and they were always shocked.  If they had any inkling that Christmas was to celebrate a birthday, they thought it was Santa's birthday.  I completely understood his quandary, as I often lamented about the same thing in the US.  But, there really isn't a comparison.  Only 2% of Japanese people are Christian, so it isn't any surprise that people just don't know about the religious connotation.  It truly is a holiday copied from photos, movies, and interpretations.

I just found out my son has school on Christmas Day.  Last year, my husband worked on Christmas Day and he will this year, too.  This knowledge has met me with profound sadness.  Although we've never really celebrated Christmas in our home (no decorations and little to no presents; just time together and lots and lots of Christmas lights), I can't imagine spending the day without my loved ones.  I'm just going to have to appreciate what I do have and enjoy every moment we do have together.