Christmas in Japan vs Christmas in Zimbabwe: Two Worlds, One Festive Spirit

Christmas in Japan vs Christmas in Zimbabwe: Two Worlds, One Festive Spirit

Christmas is officially in the air, and lately I’ve been getting the same question over and over again: “So… what are your Christmas plans this year?” Being in Japan, far from home, that question always makes me pause, smile, and reflect. And just like that, I thought, why not turn this into a Wander and Weave story? Because if there’s one thing worth talking about, it’s how wildly different, yet beautifully meaningful, Christmas feels in Japan compared to my home country, Zimbabwe.

Let’s start with Japan. Christmas here is festive, magical, and sparkly, but not in the way many of us Africans know it. Interestingly enough, Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan. With only about one percent of the population identifying as Christian, the day itself holds very little religious significance. Yet somehow, the country still manages to celebrate it with an enthusiasm that could easily fool a first-time visitor into thinking it’s a major holiday.

In Japan, Christmas is less about family and more about romance and friendship. Think candlelit dinners, matching outfits, carefully planned dates, and reservations made weeks in advance. December 24th, christmas Eve, is actually considered the most romantic day of the year. It’s Japan’s unofficial Valentine’s Day. Couples flood the streets, restaurants glow with warm lights, and the entire atmosphere whispers love. Rumor has it that being single on Christmas Eve is something you’d rather keep private. You definitely don’t want to be spotted wandering alone while the rest of the country is busy being in love.

The streets are dressed to impress. Illuminations take over cities from Hokkaido to Kyushu, with shopping malls, train stations, and public parks competing for the most jaw-dropping light displays. Honestly, nobody does “extra” quite like Japan. The lights alone are enough to put you in a festive mood, even if you’re just heading to the supermarket.

And then there’s the food. Or rather… the chicken. One of the most fascinating (and amusing) things about Christmas in Japan is the legendary Kentucky Fried Chicken tradition. Yes, you read that right. Every Christmas, an estimated 3.6 million Japanese families celebrate the holiday with a KFC meal. This isn’t a last-minute fast-food situation either, people place their orders up to six weeks in advance. On Christmas Day, queues are so long you’d think they were giving away gold instead of fried chicken.

This tradition dates back to the 1970s, when the first KFC manager in Japan, Takeshi Okawara, overheard foreigners expressing how much they missed traditional Christmas meals from home. Inspired, he introduced the idea of a “party bucket,” and in 1974, KFC launched a massive Christmas marketing campaign. It worked, very well. Decades later, Christmas in Japan is practically synonymous with a visit to “the Colonel.” Pricey? Yes. Iconic? Absolutely. And at its heart, it’s still about sharing a meal together, which somehow makes it feel universally familiar.

Of course, no Japanese Christmas is complete without cake. The beloved kurisumasu keki, a soft sponge cake layered with whipped cream and topped with bright red strawberries, appears on nearly every street corner. Light, elegant, and perfectly balanced, it’s less sugar overload and more delicate indulgence. The cake is also symbolic, representing prosperity and Japan’s post-war recovery, which adds a deeper layer to its sweetness.

Now, fast forward to December 25th. Here’s where things get a little shocking for a Zimbabwean like me. In Japan, Christmas Day itself is… just another day. Schools are open. Businesses operate as usual. The festive magic quietly packs up and waits for New Year, which is the real family holiday here. That’s when families come together, visit temples, share food, and welcome January 1st with intention and tradition.

And then there’s Zimbabwe.

Ah. Home.

Christmas in Zimbabwe is not just a day, it’s a full-bodied experience. It’s loud, joyful, spiritual, and deeply rooted in family and community. The celebration usually begins with a church service on Christmas morning. People dress in their finest new clothes, choirs sing their hearts out, and the air feels heavy with gratitude and praise. For many families, this spiritual grounding is the true beginning of Christmas.

After church, the real celebration unfolds. Families gather, often traveling long distances to rural homes or ancestral villages. Cousins you haven’t seen all year suddenly feel like best friends again. Neighbors move from house to house, music blaring from outdoor speakers, laughter spilling into the streets. You don’t knock when you visit; you just arrive, greet everyone, and grab a plate.

Food, of course, is central. Christmas in Zimbabwe tastes like sadza, roasted chicken, goat, or beef, served generously and without apology. Pots are big, portions are bigger, and everyone eats until they physically cannot anymore. And just when you think you’re done, someone insists you try “just a little more.”

Homes are decorated simply but meaningfully, green plants, ivy, handmade decorations, and sometimes a Christmas tree standing proudly in the main room. Gifts are exchanged, often new clothes, toys, or sweets, and elders sometimes step in as Santa, much to the delight of the little ones.

The music never stops. Local tunes, gospel, and pop songs echo late into the night, with dancing breaking out spontaneously. Fireworks light up the warm summer sky, reminding you that Christmas in Zimbabwe comes wrapped in sunshine, not snow.

And let’s not forget the beloved “Christmas Boxes”, those thoughtful packages from companies filled with treats like tea, bread, jam, and sweets. Small gestures, big joy.

So when people ask me what my Christmas plans are, I smile. Because whether it’s a romantic dinner under glowing illuminations in Japan or a loud, love-filled family gathering in Zimbabwe, the heart of Christmas remains the same. It’s about togetherness, sharing, joy, and making memories, just expressed in beautifully different ways.

Two countries. Two cultures. One festive spirit. And honestly? There’s room in my heart for both.