Mele kalikimaka for those that are in Hawaii.  I know it’s sad but I had to work on both Christmas and Christmas eve.  It’s one of our busiest times of the year.  I feel bad for most Japanese that don’t recognize that Christmas is our biggest holiday and didn’t really make preparations for dinner.  So we had to turn away a lot of Japanese customers that we normally would love to have.  As they left I couldn’t help but feel a little sad thinking about what kind of options they might have to eat.  Even if by chance they get into a restaurant there will be a long wait and maybe it’s not the best restaurant.  Some of those turned away had children.  I hope they got in at some place great, but my experience knows better.

We had tons of familes all smiles and having just a great time.  I think that most hadn’t seen each other in awhile and this was the only time of year where all can get together.  I had this large party with about 5 children and the grandfather had everything planned to give them the Christmas they wouldn’t forget.  He dressed up as santa and played with all the children handing out gifts and bringing cheer and joy.  Later he came back to enjoy the meal.  Even after the meal they had games planned, man this family really new how to have a good time.  I saw the grandfather put a nylon stocking filled with balloons on his head just to make the kids laugh.  It was a tough Christmas but seeing all the holiday cheer made my day a little easier.