Author Notes:
Christmas even is not quite the same in Japan as it is in America. First off, only about two percent of Japanese people are Christian. However, in the last twenty years, the gift-giving idea of this holiday have taken hold of the country. Presents are given to young children by parents and grandparents, by young people, and most definitely by couples. Christmas Eve is an important date night, second only to Valentine's Day. It's also a good night for married couples to put the kids to bed early and enjoy some time together. Older Japanese don't usually give gifts because Christmas remains an "outside" thing.
The other big Christmas Eve related event is that it is the #1 night for girls to lose their virginity. Love Hotels which normally do not require reservations are booked weeks in advance with couples who are waiting for this perfect night. Formerly called "Motels," these are places where couples can go for two hours of "rest" or for a full night to enjoy privacy. In Japan, many people under the age of twenty-five live with their parents so there's a need for a place where young people can go. However, these hotels are not sleezy joints, but actually quite snazzy. Many have facilities like karaoke, exotic baths and lotions, and luxurious beds ("protection" is complimentary). Some of the hotels even have themes for their decoration. |
