I have been getting little bits here and there that make me feel a little nostalgic for home. Especially when Christmas is coming soon, times when friends would have Christmas parties, or just fun hangouts. When you’re away from home, being alone for Christmas is probably one of the hardest feelings to have, if you are usually one to celebrate that is.
Subconsciously Thinking…As I walked around the mall, I saw a familiar banner that read, London Drugs. I was so excited, it was like seeing a familiar face…only it’s a store with products I knew they had and I needed. I picked up my pace. Every corner I turned it wasn’t there, but I could still see the store banner off in the distance so I knew I would be there soon enough. Suddenly a sales lady came out and told me the store was having a promotion, two free pairs of shoes just for walking into the store.
“No thanks” I told her, “I have to get to London Drugs”.
“Are you sure? They’re really nice!” From the window, they did look pretty nice.
“Yes! Now excuse me!” With that I walked off.
No to shoes?!?…
That was a dream I had a few nights ago. After pondering over that dream during my periods of boredom, I’ve come to the conclusion that I must be crazy to pass up free shoes for London Drugs! That, and I’m sure my subconscious was hinting something to me…that I’m probably missing home to the extent that I would pass up free merchandise, just to spend money at another store. Wow, if I do say so myself.
Culture Readjustment
When I first got here it was a bit overwhelming since I had a difficult time finding items that would otherwise be easy to find in Canada. I really admire the many foreign friends I met in Vancouver.Not being able to read or recognize products, even though what you need is probably staring at you on the shelf. Or judging by the label, you hope you bought the right thing…only to second guess you didn’t after you bought it, then later (thank god) it was the right product. Yes, this has happened to me on numerous occasions.
Aside from that, I really am enjoying my life here in Japan. I’ve enjoyed decorating my place – which is something that I really shouldn’t be investing so much in. The food is better, pricing is sometimes awkward, but for the majority works in my favor – like quality/nice sweaters on sale for $3. You don’t see that in North America!
Christmas in Japan
Christmas is the Japanese version of Valentine’s Day. It’s only for couples, while New Year’s is spent with family. It’s not that popular here in Japan, and so there is a lack of Christmas decor around the are, making it a tad bit difficult to get into the Christmas spirit. A little bit confusing because my body and mind are going “Woot! Merry Christmas!”, and then my mind will connect with my eyes, which gives me this sudden halting feeling. Like when Wild E. Coyote chases after Road Runner and goes into a skid stop. This ends up creating some sort of confusing dialogue within me:
Right Brain: “Wow, hold up! Something seems…different…”
Eyes: “Well, that store has a tiny tree in the window.”
Left Brain: “Toto, mental note, we are not in Kansas anymore.”
Body: “…So…are we still getting psyched for Christmas or what?…”
On a brighter note, there is a small illumination display downtown (Tenjin).
Illumination in Tenjin
Illumination in Tenjin
Christmas in Japan
Having my own place this can only mean one thing, Christmas Party! I plan to invite some of my teachers over for Christmas dinner / festivities. My first little order of business, getting a Christmas tree ^^. Found at Nitori (similar to Ikea), a $10 tree that actually comes with a few ornaments to start. Extra ornaments were added from the dollar store. It’s beginning to feel a bit like Christmas…
I was also surprised to find musical Christmas lights at the mall ($25). Something that reminded me of home, because our tree has musical Christmas lights^^. A little big for the tree, but it’s long enough that I can hang it up around the room to decorate, now I just need to find some garland.
Small Tree with ornaments: ¥1000@ Nitori
BC Roll in Japan 
