The chicken craze

While I consider Japanese people to be very patient, they don't fit that criteria when it comes to Christmas.  They do all of their celebrating on Christmas Eve.  The only thing they leave for Christmas Day is for children to open the one gift they receive (if their family even does that).  Christmas Eve is when most people celebrate by going out on a date with their significant other (Christmas is celebrated as a couples holiday, not one for kids) and enjoying special foods earmarked for the day.

Back in the 80's Kentucky Fried Chicken convinced the Japanese public that Americans eat chicken (more specifically, KFC) on Christmas Eve.  Since then, people have lined up to enjoy their annual Christmas dinner by picking up a bucket of drumsticks. 

I've often heard of this tradition, but I pretty much didn't pay that much attention to it because I was not going to participate in it.  It has always been something that I've chuckled about, but nothing beyond that.

Tokyo loves it's lines.  There always seems to be lines for things here - from restaurants, to stores with specific products, to raffles, and more.  It is part of the culture to wait in lines.  If it is something big, you will have to wait.  You might get there before it opens or starts, but regardless of your arrival time, you will wait.  Getting your Christmas KFC is no different.  Lines, lines, lines.  We were out and about today and saw lines at every KFC we came across between 8 am until almost 8 pm!  Despite pre-ordering, people still wait in long lines to pick up their dinner.

I also noticed a big push by other restaurants and food stalls offering take out sets of their fried and roast chicken.  From convenience stores to fast food restaurants to fancy restaurants, everyone offered special holiday take out meals featuring chicken.

After picking up the chicken, there is another line to wait in. 

Many people enjoy Christmas cake.  The most traditional version is the same cake that is enjoyed on birthdays - a genoise cake with whipped cream icing and strawberries.  However, just like pie, people have branched out more and more over the years.  The big difference between birthday cake and Christmas cake is the Christmas cake has Christmas decorations on it.  There are many options of decorations from a little plastic Santa to paper or chocolate signs saying "Merry Christmas." 

Despite the cake being nothing extraordinary, people special order them to ensure securing one for their family. 

I had forgotten that all the celebrating is done on Christmas Eve.  Luckily for Japan, this year most businesses (except retail) around the country had the day off.  December 23 is the Emperor's birthday.  Since that was Sunday, it was observed on December 24, giving everyone the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with their beloved. The only thing left to do is for kids to patiently wait until morning to open their gift.