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December 21, 2024, is the day of the Winter Solstice. It is not celebrated as a national holiday, but Japanese are aware of its importance, as it is the end of dark nights getter longer. The special date is called 冬至 (To-Ji) in Japanese, and even though the coldest days of winter still lie ahead, the Earth is slowly rotating towards the warmer, lighter days of spring. Winter Solstice has been celebrated since ancient/pagan times, and in Europe, it was adopted & adapted by the early Christians for Christmas celebrations. Christmas has also been accepted by the Japanese as a special time/day, but it is celebrated differently than in the West (see the links below). December is already a busy month, as preparations are being made to greet the New Year, and 冬至・To-Ji is like a reminder that time is moving forward with Christmas Eve soon to follow. One Japanese custom for the Winter Solstice is to take a hot relaxing bath in a tub with 柚子 (Yuzu) aromatic citron fruits floating in the water. The yellow-colored Yuzu winter fruits are believed to help prevent colds, and during December they are specially sold in grocery stores and supermarkets. So, as To-Ji passes, Japanese people will start looking forward to Christmas Eve, where young couples will go on dates and families will enjoy meals of Kentucky Fried Chicken with Strawberry Shortcake for dessert. And in many places "Christmas lights' -- called "Illumination" -- are on display, contributing to a festive New Year's atmosphere. Merry Christmas!

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LINKS:

Christmas in Japan

https://www.nippon.com/en/features/jg00099/

https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/christmas-in-japan

December in Japan

https://us.iino.cc/blog/blog.html?eid=00139

Holiday Lights "Illumination"

https://us.iino.cc/blog/blog.html?eid=00200