I don’t get homesick often, but every year around the holidays I do.  Christmas is such a nostalgic holiday, and I miss the warmth of spending it with my family in America.  Since it’s a lot of work to go home for the holidays every year, I do my best to have as American a Christmas as possible.  My wife and kids were able to experience our family Christmas in Chicago last year, so they really love having that kind of Christmas here in Japan.  

However, I am not a big fan of the New Year celebrations in the US.  I think that Japanese New Year is so much better, and I feel lucky that I am able to experience that every year with my Japanese family.  

Since we’re able to experience the best parts of each holiday, the season is so enjoyable for my family and me.  I hope that you all had a wonder holiday and I wish you a very happy and healthy year in 2024.  See you next year!