Merīkurisumasu

I had no intention of taking a 6 week hiatus from the blog but we all know the saying about how time flies...
We have indeed been having fun! After a much needed and very enjoyable 3 weeks back in the states, Reese, Quinn and I returned to Japan where Mike had been holding down the fort. Being away in November meant getting to spend Thanksgiving with family but it also meant that we only had 3 weeks to get ready for Christmas.
In Japan, Dec. 25th is not a national holiday and most Japanese do not celebrate in any way, but, we did see a few decorations in store windows and some young people sporting Santa hats. If they do celebrate, they have a different interpretation which for some inexplicable reason may or may not involve Kentucky Fried Chicken. (Kudos to the marketing masterminds at KFC who somehow managed to persuade the Japanese that American's eat lots of chicken on Christmas and that they should reserve their buckets early.)
Despite the greasy fingers, Christmas Eve is seen as more of a romantic holiday where only significant others exchange gifts. As you know, in America, romance takes a back seat to kids and toys at Christmastime. I felt an extra pressure this year to make the holiday special for my kids because we were away from home, from the grandparents and some cherished traditions we would not be able to recreate in Japan.

The Navy Base does a lot to make sure the ex-pats have a happy holiday. Early in December a bunch of places held "Breakfast with Santa" type events. We went to one and it was nice but sort of an odd set up. We were warned that we had to be in and out in 45 minutes, as we went through the buffet there were servers asking us if we wanted one bacon slice or two, (Um...the correct answer is 4!) and poor Santa was just sitting off to the side of the buffet like a shy girl at a middle school dance so we felt a little awkward approaching him as is evidence by everyone's uncomfortable expression in the above family portrait.

The best thing about it were the sugar cookies which the host delivered to us with a napkin and told us to enjoy them on our way out. (That's right, here's a cookie, don't dawdle and don't eat all our bacon!) At least we were able to check "Tell Santa what you want for Christmas" off our holiday to-do list for Reese.
The yummy cookies inspired us to go home and make our own treats. Reese and I made Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies, regular Chocolate Chip (for Mike) and Gingerbread. It's no match for making a gingerbread house with grandma but still fun and very delicious!

Reese's school held a nice Christmas party for all the kids and parents. It was her final day in a school that she hasn't exactly loved since the beginning. The school and her teacher mean well but it wasn't a great fit for us. The kids put on a show for us and some of the classes got to wear cute reindeer antlers or Santa hats. Reese's teacher worked so hard on Christmas tree costumes for all her kids. Unfortunately Reese did not love it and made no attempt to pretend otherwise. 

She and Quinn did however enjoy the potluck buffet. 

The season really kicked off when we got our tree. Reese really enjoyed helping with the decorations this year and gasped, "It's beautiful!" when we finally lit the lights.

One of my family's traditions has been having Chicago style deep dish pizza on Christmas Day but since Yokosuka is not in Lou Malnati's delivery radius we had to improvise with a little help from America's Test Kitchen.

The weather on Christmas was bright and sunny so we took a day trip to nearby Enoshima Island. We enjoyed some fresh air and some beautiful views of Sagami Bay. 

 Enoshima Island is home to a shrine, some caves, an aquarium, gardens and several shops and restaurants.

At night during the month of December they have a winter illumination display which are found all over Japan.  Tourists and locals enjoy walking the paths surrounded by dazzling lights.

 Japanese love to pose for pictures with the "Peace" sign. Reese doesn't quite get that so she likes to pose with one finger in the air. God forbid we try to tell her different.

 Wishing you sunny days...

...warm nights,

and a wonderful 2015, wherever your travels take you!