Dec. 28 - Ann and I are very much looking forward to the end of year holiday period in Japan. Ann has been very busy preparing for her choir's holiday concerts this season. I enjoy hearing her choir perform this time of year, as her concerts put me in a holiday mood.

Although the days in late December are short, Tokyo is often bathed in sunshine during this time. Ann and I plan to take a few days off from work over the Christmas and New Year holiday. At Christmas we will spend a few days at a Japanese hot spring, but we will stay in Tokyo to enjoy the clean air and holiday atmosphere of the city at New Year's time. We will host a party for our friends, and on other days will visit friends at their homes.

During this time of year, we enjoy eating Japanese New Year's food and also seeing the many New Year's decorations at the entrances to homes and shops. I have noticed that many drivers even decorate their cars with New Year's decorations. Last year I told Ann that the drivers of these cars seemed especially gracious, stopping for me to cross the street, for example.

Ann and I wish all readers of this blog good health and cheer, and a very Happy New Year in 2011.

Until next time,

Jim