Some Things Are Universal
Even though we are far from home, December has been a busy month. We have been getting ready for our first Christmas in Japan. The biggest difference from "Christmas as usual" is that we had to start shopping rather early to get our gifts to the U.S. and to make sure our mail orders arrived before Christmas. But otherwise, things here are pretty similar to an American holiday season--except sadly we are not near family, of course. Surprisingly, Japanese stores have many Christmas decorations, which is fun to see. It also struck me that the Christmas music playing here is especially religious, whereas in the States you don't hear such religious music anymore for fear of offending non-Christians. Well, it is heartwarming to hear the classic songs half-way around the world, even if "I'll be Home for Christmas" is a sad reminder to the contrary.

However, people living abroad stick together, so we have been to some fun holiday celebrations so far. The first weekend in December, we went to the Children's Christmas party for the hospital staff. It was technically Sydney's second encounter with Santa, although at 6 weeks I don't think she really noticed the first time! Don't you agree?!

But this time, there was no question about it. Luckily, Santa arrived near the end of the party and we had had a good time before Santa ruined Sydney's mood! But it struck me that screaming on Santa's lap is a rite of passage and that most American children, even in Japan, get a chance to do just that. And somehow I felt a little closer to home in that thought...if only for a moment. We miss you all!