Last Christmas I gave you my heart!

...And I'm pleased to say that she still has it and I have hers!

The 23rd is a national holiday here. Thank you to his Imperial Majesty for having a birthday right now and creating a much needed national holiday, allowing over worked employees to have a chance to spend valuable time with loved ones and for me to catch up on some much needed sleep! I slept until lunch time and she actually brought me tea. Bless her cute teddy bear socks! She won't usually bring it through to the bedroom because I have a poor habit of leaving it to go cold as I turn over and fall back to sleep. I do feel very refreshed by the sleep, her tea and I am warmed by her smile.

Today, Christmas Eve, we both have the day off but with our restaurant being fully booked all day, we will eat downstairs in the kitchens as we help out. Eve is supposed to be the time we share with our loved ones and after watching a TV program recently about young couples having romantic interludes at the love hotel of their choice, with the Christmas theme being popular at this time of year, we had thought to try it out ourselves. Of course couples can 'do it' anywhere but I think the setting is often important as it is an added stimulus. Its not exactly the 'mile high club' but it is one of those events that couples want to try. Even though we're helping out downstairs, we are still together on this special day and that's the most important thing. Hitomi's sister isn't coming over to sing Karaoke this year as she's fallen under the spell of her man of the moment and they are spending time together.

Christmas time is a magical time I think and it seems to have spread out from its Religious beginnings and I do not mean the birth of the Christ alone. Long before Christianity many places had midwinter Feasts. The Chinese, for example, have their 'Dong Zhi' (mid winter festival), as do the Pagans and we have many festivals depending which part of the country you visit. Christmas has spread out into the commercial side and has invaded many cultures with images of Santa, snow, reindeer, decorated trees and small wrapped gifts. Although we Japanese are not predominantly Christian, I think it's a wonderful feeling and human spirituality rather than just a religious anniversary or a season of 'merry making' but it is something which can pull out the very best of us as people. We enact such wonderful charitable acts and goodwill to our neighbors and strangers and great generosity is shown during this period. Doesn't it make you think that we can be so much more when we try?

A lot of people say Christmas is for Children. They, more than most, enjoy the magic that this season brings. I am going to beg you at this time of the year to please, please, please, make a small donation to your countries "Save the children" Charity. This Charity works tirelessly for Children everywhere, those children who are still denied proper health care, food, education and protection.
If you enjoy reading me and you love Children and believe in them, please do make one small effort for them.
No matter how small, I thank you all so very much if you can.