Christmas and the horror of Christmas chopping.

By, Uwe Paschen.

Now believe it or not, but it is November 2008 and I went Christmas chopping in Chiba Shi today. Well I though that this year I will finally get those Christmas and New Years cards out in time for once in my life and have the gifts raped for New Year celebration before the second of January or the 24 th of December sice some in my Family and entourage that are of the Christian Faith.

Last year, well I was way to late and could not find any thing any longer that would have been of any meaning or even remotely nice since I started chopping by the end of December. 

Most stores where sold out by then or simply did all ready move on to the next big thing wish would be New Year and Easter. This in mind, I went early this year and thought I would be safe and avoid the crowds and stress.

Well, Was I in for a surprise though, as I fund most stores all ready being sold out of all the things i wanted any way and of most things that could have been of interest or even nice as a gift for the Kids, Friends, and Family members.

And the stress, well that could not be avoided even though we are in November mind you. I could not believe the number of people out Christmas chopping and looking for a good deal or great gift for those close to you. This mind you in the middle of the week after all we are Wens-day the 19th of November 2008 and not Friday or Saturday. Wish I avoided because of the crowds that are usually out shopping on those week end days.

I could not believe how wrong I was in my great plan, nor could I believe that Christmas shopping had moved to November now and that so many more people must have planned their coup as I did just to find out it was a collective mind set.

Now I should remind you that I am talking about Japan here and that this is a predominatlly Buddhist country, however when it comes to Christmas the Japanese are next to none only surpassed by the German I believe. Christmas has become such a big deal here over the past decade that one could think al Japanese have converted to Christianity, however that would be a great mistake though.

Japanese are still very much Buddhist, at least the large majority, no they just like the decorations, and the fun that Christmas can be, as well as the parades and parties. They do even sing the Christmas Carols and light up the Christmas tree. 

In a way it is good to see, and maybe we should all take the best parts out of all cultures and Religions and make them our own or even adapt them to ours with out getting fanatic nor taking our self's to serious either.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Well I can actually not believe I said that my self and this in November. Oh well, the Chinese New year is coming Just after the Western one wish is being preceded by the Jewish New Year and followed by the Moslem New Year. And so on. So to all and every one, a Happy New Year.

By the way, I do hope you made your Christmas shopping last September all ready, maybe next Year I get it over with in June, just to be safe and for once ahead of every one else.

Happy Holidays.