Christmas in Japan

I woke up to heavy rain and the street strewn with beautiful yellow leaves, taking my cup of freshly brewed coffee I head over to our bar-like table and watch the people rushing off to work. Winter is finally here! I love winter, the food taste much much better, the fashion a bit dull but bold and the beautiful sunny days. People chuckle when I say I love winter, to cover my embarrassment I would add " after 20 years of tropical climate I'm glad for the change". 
There is just something comforting about the dark rainy days of winter, knowing that after the rain we will have a week of brighter days, the air is much fresher and the cold keeps us fresh throughout the day. At night its time to go out and visit the popular illumination spot. The bright lights and swarm of excited wrapped-up-trying-to-stay-warm people enjoying the beautiful lights takes away the loneliness. The lights can make one feel as though they are at the opening of the winter Olympics.
Christmas carols filled the air and young lovers promise their love to each other, this sight always fills me up with joy sometimes I find myself smiling then those rare moments when someone else secretly caught on and start smiling too. Friends taking turn with the camera and often the singles pulling out their camera for a solo shot.
Then the magical feeling the white snow , the bright lights and Christmas created. People rushing home from work with a tired smile thinking of home cooked meals and warm beds to rest their weary souls after another long hard day. The streets smell of coffee and cinnamon, little children dressed in their down jackets, what a pure delight. Even the leopard print pants looks good on the little lost girl. 
I too rush home anxiously so I can have my fresh cup of hot chocolate before preparing dinner. You see Christmas in Japan is exciting in its own way, I don't bump into the village boys assigned to go hunting or the little girls collecting wood but something in everybodys eyes reminds me its Christmas. And before I had time to say no, the lovely gentleman offers his seat. Then I know I'm spending another different yet magical Christmas far far away from home.