Christmas Eve in Tokyo - 2012

One of the best things about moving to Tokyo was the fact that the move came with an instantaneous circle of friends and I was automatically welcomed into it.  There are about 25 girls working in Trey's office here in Tokyo and from the moment I landed here they have offered me their friendship, welcomed me into their community and most recently they have celebrated Christmas Eve with us.  They are beautiful, outgoing, smart and funny women and so a good time is guaranteed anytime they are around.

the house is ready...

Trey and I decided to stay in Japan for the Holidays this year.  With his busy work schedule and all the traveling he has done this year, the last thing we wanted to do was to pack again!  Of course, the decision was not easy as we both agree the Holidays are more meaningful with loved ones around.  Trey and I have a good time together just the two of us, but the Holiday spirit has to be shared and spread to the masses :o).  So we decided to surround ourselves with loved friends this year.  Christmas is not widely celebrated in Japan/Tokyo...I mean, the city is decorated and there seems to be a shopping frenzy in the last 4 weeks but in general they don't put up Christmas trees or exchange Christmas presents at home.  That didn't stop the group from joining us on Christmas Eve and celebrating the Holiday as it if was their own.

Our 6 guests (all girls; Trey and Huey (our puppy) were the only boys and they stuck together the whole night!) arrived with gifts...and by gifts I mean alcohol and sweets mainly :).  They say Japanese women have 2 stomachs, one for regular food and one for dessert - if that's the case then I can easily pass for Japanese!  We got sparkling wine, traditional Japanese cookies, cheese and crackers, ice cream (12 individually packaged ice cream servings in 12 different flavors), more cookies (ginger bread cookies & sugar cookies), flowers and the cutest miniature "bakery display" handmade by the mother of one of the girls - by the way "the girls" have names - Yuki & Yumi, Makoto, Yuko & Yoko and little Mayu - Yuko's daughter celebrated Christmas Eve with us.  They are awesome!

they are here!

Trey surrounded by Japanese beauties...

We had very non-traditional appetizers and dinner followed by home made brownies, cookies, ice cream and apple pie while a Nat King Cole CD packed with Christmas classics played in the background and The Polar Express played on the TV silently - I love that movie!  I bought the apple pie in an attempt to treat our guests so at least a sliver of American tradition only to find out - upon closer inspection of the box - that it was "Hecho en Méjico" - hahaha!!!!

pasta, salmon & broccoli for Xmas dinner....hmmmmm

Somehow as the night progressed and the sparkling wine AND non-sparkling wine AND the beer supply was depleted, we ended up jamming to Don Henley and the Eagles...not very Christmas-sey but a lot of fun!

Christmas Eve in Tokyo - 2012 lacked most - actually all - of the elements of how we traditionally celebrate Christmas back at home, but it was full of warmth, friendship, good chatter, great company and a lot of laughter - a VERY special Christmas thanks to this group of VERY lovely ladies!

Merry Christmas!  メリークリスマス! (Merīkurisumasu!)

New Year's is next!  I am excited for 2013...Actually the beginning of a New Year is always exciting...a clean slate and fresh start.  A new set of 12 months full of endless possibilities!

This will most likely be the last posting of this year so I want to wish you all a 2013 full of love, happiness, unexpected magic and good health!

{ PICTURES } to see more pictures from Christmas Eve and to meet, Yuki, Yumi, Yoko, Yuko, Makoto and Mayu, click here.  I posted them on Simply Mad Jewelry's page on Facebook :o)

Next time, I will tell you about New Year's in Tokyo (Bonenkai) - which they DO celebrate.  Until then, enjoy your holidays, and go out and explore an place you have never been to.