Allyson Wonderland: Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time. -Band Aid "Do They Know Its Christmas?"

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas. This has easily been the strangest Christmas season of my life and that's saying a lot since last year's snow/ice storm pretty much shut Tulsa down for Christmas. While the Japanese have somewhat embraced the commercial aspect of Christmas, the religious significance is simply not a big part of their culture, which isn't surprising since less than 1% of the Japanese population is Christian.

December has literally flown by, and despite attending numerous Christmas activities, it still doesn't FEEL like Christmas. The past few weeks have definitely been the hardest to get through in terms of homesickness. I can't really describe the feeling it gives you to see how easily and normally things go on without you being there. It's bizarre to say the least. But just as a wise friend predicted (if you're reading this, I'm talking about you Mr. Linden,) being this far away from home/family/friends and the normal hustle and bustle of Christmas really gives you a chance to focus on what Christmas is ACTUALLY about.

Last night was easily the coldest night we've had this winter and as I was walking to church, shivering and kicking myself for not having worn warmer clothing and grumbling because I wanted to be at home with my family instead of going to church alone on the other side of the world, I noticed another white person walking down the sidewalk on the other side of the street. My church is right next to a big university in Tokyo so I tend to see more Caucasian people near my church than other places around town. We exchanged what I have come to refer to as the “foreigner nod” (there seems to be an unspoken rule that foreigners will give each other a nod of recognition on the streets off Japan) and I continued on my way. Just as we were about to pass each other, he paused briefly and said “Merry Christmas.” It's a phrase you hear a thousand times this time of year, even in Japan, but he said it with more kindness, understanding, and sincerity than any other time I can recall hearing anyone say it. And it completely turned my night around. My entire frame of mind changed. I stopped moping, went to church and enjoyed a beautiful service (which I understood far more of than I expected!)

While Christmas was strange this year, it ended up being much better than I originally expected. It included skyping with the family on Christmas Eve, yummy brunch Christmas morning, some time for personal reflection, skyping with Laramie, watching The Holiday with Ally and Christine, and then playing a few rousing games of Farkel. All in all, lots of fun!

Here are some pictures from various activities that have happened since my last blog:

Advent/Wine and Cheese/Birthday Party

For a wonderful video of Carol Sack playing the harp during out party check out my youtube account here. Carol has developed an amazing ministry playing for patients of the Home of Hope hospice. To read more about it, click here.

Cooking with the McKenzies - Omurice, Japanese hotcakes, and apple pancakes.