It is a rare thing when two of my passions collide. I love the Holiday season. Giving, baking, making too much food for guests and having to clean up after them. What I love even more is listening to Christmas music. I've had numerous nightmares of forgetting to listen to Christmas music during the holiday season, probably has some sort of ominous meaning in reality, but I try not to think about it. Anyway, my love of all things Asian have expanded to their take of Christmas greats. Some of them make me laugh, but that's half the charm. This album didn't do that. It is actually very pleasant to listen to. The perfectly harmonizing 12 Girls Band have expanded their reach to the Christmas music market and taken on the challenge of keeping classic Christmas songs alive. Using the various traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng, erhu, pipa, yangqin and hulusi the girls (of which there are actually thirteen) put their spin on things. This is a fun and inspiring album. If you like Kenny G or Lori Line's Christmas albums, this would be a great addition to your collection.
I'll admit it, I was caught up in the Holiday whirlwind for awhile. To put the readers (har har - Don't even think there are any...) in the Holiday mood along with me are a few images from Japan showing their Holiday spirit. I'm not sure about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but Christmas in Japan is pretty big. It is, however, largely commercial. Boys are expected to treat their ladies like royalty. Big dinner, dressing up and a special gift are all a given in a relationship. I guess we're too busy being with family and enjoying the spirit of giving. . . While we speak of giving, anyone decide's they want to get me that something special: 
Yes, I would ACTUALLY wear this - given the right occasion. Namely, chillin' with my family at home, but still... Here are a few more images I found on a random Japanese Blog.
Ginormous Santa head!!! 
Dunno what's up with this creepy lookin' star of David, but hey - Hanukkah in Japan.
SPARKLY!!!
My friend has a great business. She creates for a living. So, maybe she's not Asian. And perhaps she is not living in Asia. But the culture pulses through her veins almost as thick as mine. Megan has been creating a great line of clothing and accessories out of vintage fabric for awhile now. I got excited even further by checking out the November issue of Shojobeat.
Megan managed to catch the eye of the good 'ol folks of Shojobeat and drum up some business the old fashioned way - exposure. I love her designs of simple button fashion dressed up into something new and interesting. The Kimono fabric mirrors are a perfect accessory for Cultural Day in Japan. (or just going the mall and having to touch up your make up, whichever comes first...) Run along and snag these goodies before Christmas hits. I guarantee it'll be a unique and welcome gift for anyone.
