Blogmas 5: First time away for the holidays

I’ve never felt homesick while living in Japan and until recently when the Christmas season started. Watching my parents get the Christmas tree and decorate it without me felt so strange! I’ve always had Christmas with them, even when I was at University. It also felt strange because here in Japan my boyfriend and I don’t have any Christmas decorations so everything felt really sad for me.

Last year my boyfriend Kei spent his first Christmas with my family and had a full experience of picking out the tree and decorating it. We even had a party with all of our friends and family so he could meet them. He really loved it and we both find it so strange to be alone this Christmas. Christmas in Japan is a couple holiday and we do have each other but it still feels off.

I do think it is a good experience for us. Having a Christmas here on our own and making our own traditions. I’ve also convinced him we should have a small party with some of our friends. What do you do for the holiday season? Do you have any advice for starting traditions or spending our first Christmas away from our families?