There are quite a few stories about how Santa Claus was created and each of the European countries has their own tales and names for Santa Claus. In England they call Santa Claus -Father Christmas, in France –Pere Noel, in Netherland as Sinter Klaas. The American version of Santa Claus originally derived from the Dutch legend of Sinterklaas and was brought by settlers to New York in the 17th century. The current image of Santa Claus is totally an Americanized invention by an illustrator, Thomas Nast, who created a round-bellied Santa for Harper magazine Christmas issues in the 1860’s. He continued to put a story together by adding more details like Santa's toy workshop in the North Pole and how Santa keeps a list of the naughty and nice children. Cola Cola’s Christmas advertisements in the 1930’s had gained tremendous popularity with the image of a rotund Santa wearing a red suit and cap with a thick black belt and boots designed by Haddon Sundblom. The image spread urban legends that Santa Claus was invented by Coca-Cola or that Santa wears red and white because those are the Coca-Cola colors.
Even with the different names, all the stories originate from the tales and myths of Saint Nicholas, the rich bishop who was later named a Saint for his generosity to save the poor and to give presents to children. The tale of the stocking hanging by the chimney also came from St Nicholas when he threw a bag of gold coins down the chimney, and it fell into the stocking hanging to dry to save the three daughters of a poor Christian man.
Christmas in Japan is popularly celebrated in the big cities and has become very popular from the 1960s. With the aid of a rapidly growing Japanese economy and adopting many western customs through the influence of American TV programs, Christmas has become a very meaningful event in Japan. Although, Japan does not celebrate the religious aspect of Christmas, they have adapted the Santa Claus character. As you walk through shopping districts and department stores, you will see beautiful displays of Christmas trees and Christmas ornaments. It has also became a tradition to enjoy Christmas Cake made of sponge cake decorated with strawberries and whipped cream which is normally brought home by the father on Christmas Eve. The exchanging of gifts with close friends and family members has also become a common custom in Japan. Parents give presents to their children as a gift from Santa Claus, but once the children no longer believe in Santa the presents are no longer given. In contrast to Western customs, Christmas Eve is a day for couples to date and groups to hold parties, while New Year's Day holiday is officially set for family to gather at home or at their parents house. Most Christmas decorations come down on the 25th and are replaced by New Year's decorations which is one week later.
This year why not give yourself a vacation present to an exotic Asian country to experience a different type of Christmas celebrated. This unique experience may become one of the best Christmas spend away from home. Join us on our hassle free vacation package over your Christmas Holiday.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
There is a minimum passenger requirement for each tour. If the tour you have selected does not meet the minimum participants, the tour price will be adjusted accordingly but will not be cancelled. You will be notified minimum of one month prior to the departure if any changes or adjustments are made to the program.
Other than the group tours designed, we can arrange individual WAGAMAMA Tours to any destination you select- such as.SHANGHAI-Once known as the Paris of the East and still a shopper’s paradise. And it’s the most perfect shopping destination for Christmas.
SAIPAN or GUAM- located in the Pacific Ocean, west of the International dateline and just few hours away by flight lie the two tropical resort islands.
KYOTO-Take a bullet train to the most historical city of Japan. Here is the place you will able to see and enjoy the Japanese heritage.