The celebration of Christmas in Japan dates back only about a hundred years.  

The Japanese people see Christmas not as a Christian festival, more a winter holiday, this is because the vast majority of Japanese are not Christian, though they sing carols, decorate Christmas trees, eat turkeys and  decorate their homes and shops with mistletoe and holly, just  like us. 

The biggest difference between us, is  Santa.   The Japanese based their Santa on one of their old Gods:   Hotei or Hoteiosho, a God  of good fortune.  

He is always very happy, whether he is alone or surrounded by children. He holds a fan in one hand and carries on his back a linen bag in which he carries  the 'Precious Things', the gifts and toys which he gives to good children. He doesn't  need a helper to check on the children's behaviour, because, like your teachers,  he has eyes in the back of his head, so he knows who is being naughty