fun

In “Merry Christmas,” the word “merry” in English means “fun” or “cheerful.” We say “Merry Christmas!” with the wish that you enjoy the holiday. However, outside of Japan, the phrase “Merry Christmas” isn’t used very often.

Turkey

Turkey—also known as “taakii” in Japanese—is the classic choice. There are various theories about why it’s turkey, but one simple reason is that turkeys are easy to get. In Japan it’s chicken instead—basically because chicken is easier to obtain.

December 25

Did anyone think it was on the 24th? December 24, when Santa comes, is Christmas Eve. “Eve” comes from the English word “evening.” The 25th is called Christmas, and it’s also known by names like “Noël.”

Fujiya

The first company to sell Christmas cakes in Japan was Fujiya, famous for its mascot Peko-chan. The Christmas cake first sold in 1910, the year Fujiya was founded in the Meiji era, was apparently not a decorated cake like those we see today.

Black Santa

As the name suggests, a Santa dressed in black rather than red comes to visit. In some regions, he even looks like a demon. This Santa is a bit frightening—he brings coal as a present, and sometimes stuffs children into the large sack he carries to take them away.

Chimney

Santa Claus enters houses through the chimney to deliver presents. This tradition is based on the story that Saint Nicholas, who is the model for Santa Claus, used to throw gold coins down the chimneys of poor children’s homes.

8 horses

Each one is named “Dasher,” “Dancer,” “Donner,” “Prancer,” “Vixen,” “Blitzen,” “Comet,” and “Cupid.” The source is the American poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” associated with Christmas. There are Japanese picture book editions, so some of you may have read it. There’s also a version that says there are nine reindeer.

Finland

Finland is a very cold country in the north of Europe, and it’s said that Santa Claus’s hometown is in the region of Lapland there. In the city of Rovaniemi, there is a place called the Santa Claus Village, where Santa actually lives.

Star of Bethlehem

The star placed at the top of a Christmas tree is called the “Star of Bethlehem.” The name comes from the birth of Christ in Bethlehem and the bright star that is said to have shone at that time. It’s also known as the “Christmas star” or the “top star.”

Green Christmas

A Christmas when snow piles up and the town turns pure white is called a “White Christmas,” while a Christmas without accumulated snow is called a “Green Christmas.” This term became widespread because, in the Southern Hemisphere—where the seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere—Christmas falls in summer, when trees are lush and green.