In Japan, New Year outshines Christmas
In Luxembourg, Christmas is synonymous with unity. Although the country's traditions have their origins in Christianity, the festival has evolved thanks to various cultural influences. With this article on the Christmas customs of a Japanese family, we begin a series on the different foreign communities in Luxembourg and what unites them.
In Japan, New Year's Eve is much more important than Christmas. But Harumi, who lives in Luxembourg, was keen to decorate for the festive season. For New Year's Eve, she prepares karaage, a delicious Japanese fried chicken, to which she adds a Luxembourgish touch, thus combining two cultures in one tasty dish.
In Harumi's (58) home, the spirit of Christmas is palpable. Although Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan, Harumi has infused her decor with local customs, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully arranged. The ambiance is calming yet inviting, reflecting her dedication to creating a cozy retreat.
A beautifully adorned Christmas tree stands prominently in the living room, draped with twinkling lights and shimmering ornaments. Despite her efforts to make the tree festive, it is a temporary decoration that will be taken down shortly after Christmas. Unlike in Western traditions where the tree remains until Epiphany, Japanese custom dictates its removal soon after the holiday, symbolizing a swift transition to New Year celebrations—an event of greater significance in Japanese culture. “For the Japanese, Christmas is more of a social and commercial occasion,” Harumi explains. Indeed, Christmas lacks deep-rooted traditions in Japan, which is more influenced by Shintoism and Buddhism.
The removal of the Christmas tree signals the beginning of preparations for New Year’s festivities, during which traditional decorations like Kadomatsu—made from bamboo, pine, and plum blossoms—are displayed to symbolize prosperity for the coming year.
Originally from Tokyo, Harumi moved to Paris in 1998 and later settled in Luxembourg in 2006. After studying Japanese for four years back home, she pursued marketing studies in France.
On Christmas Eve, she will host a small gathering with her husband Maurice (55) and their daughter Elena (19), along with a few close friends. Their menu is a delightful fusion of European and Japanese cuisines featuring fresh oysters, smoked salmon, foie gras, and roast capon with a subtle Japanese twist. A traditional dish at their festive table will be karaage, fried chicken marinated in soy sauce and ginger. Harumi adds a Luxembourgish flair by using chestnut flour for extra crunch. For dessert, she has prepared persimmons, an Asian fruit.
Following their festive meal, the family will exchange gifts and enjoy some board games together.
In contrast to their Christmas celebration, Harumi shares how New Year’s is observed differently in Japan. Traditionally, families visit temples to pray, listen to the ringing bells, and write New Year cards. They also enjoy Osechi, a traditional dish served over three days that consists of seafood, meat, and vegetable platters—each with symbolic meanings representing wishes for longevity or prosperity. This year, however, Harumi has one simple wish: peace and harmony in the world.
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