Hogwarts, and Christmas in Japan

Today, I was walking down the street to the bakery when, over head, a speaker on a street lamp started playing "Silver Bells." For my own part, I could help but feel this was rank cruelty, since Silver Bells tends to bring tears to my eyes even when I'm not half a world from home, and today was no different - too much happy Yuletide joy for me related to that song. Still, it reminded me that I've been wanting to post a little something about how the holidays seem to be used here.
( Japan and the Pre-Christmas Cheer )

By the by, if any one spots any very nice, very interesting, or incredibly ugly Christmas tree ornaments that have Moose in them (specifically - be careful, don't let the reindeer fool you! ;) ) please pick them up for me - I'll pay you back, even, I just won't be able to buy my own cute and/or hideously ugly Moose ornaments until I get back. Thanks in advance to anyone who actually bothers... ;)

( Hogwarts )