Traditions

"You may ask, how did this tradition start? I'll tell you. I don't know. But it's a tradition.

 And because of our traditions, every one of us knows who he is, and what God expects him to do." 

Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof

          One of the hardest parts of deciding what to pack and what to leave behind over the last month aside from not knowing exactly what to expect from Japan since I have not been there before was deciding what traditions to maintain. How am I going to celebrate holidays? In some cases where Japan does not celebrate American holidays I would need to bring decorations or supplies with me. In other cases, Japan celebrates holidays differently so that I would still need to bring things if I want to continue to celebrate the American way. This, of course, forces me to consider how much of the celebration I consider to be essential, how much is important to me for sentimental reasons, and how much I am willing to give up for a short adventure in a foreign land. 

Obviously, I determined that I wanted it all. Then I considered the size of my suitcases and thought I might take another crack at it. What is really essential?

    

  

What memorabilia and comfort items should I bring for when I am thousands of miles from home and alone in a foreign land?

I felt like both of these question were ones that were not highly addressed in any of the packing lists I found online, yet seem to be very important when traveling away from home. Also, having to ask these questions forced me to consider what I find value in and how I prioritize. The chance to move is such a great way to evaluate and reconsider the important things that fall by victim to the mundanity of everyday life.

 I think that this exercise is a really good one and not just for the college student leaving the country. Re-assessing the essentials forced me to get rid of a lot of stuff that I did not use or need. In many cases this was extremely painful to admit that I did not need it. So I got rid of it a little bit at a time over a period of months which was a lot easier than getting rid of it all at once would have been.

These are some of the essentials that I chose for my Christmas traditions:
- a fold-able nativity set - string of colored Christmas lights - three Christmas ornaments - 

There were, of course, more logistical considerations as well:

       I won't find anything in English, what do I need in English (for teaching, letters home, or for myself) over the next year?  What clothing should I bring? I have the misfortune of being too large to fit Japanese shoes and probably other clothing as well. What multi-use items can I bring to function over the widest range of seasons? What American comfort foods will I want access to in Japan? Unique cosmetics goods (I expect that they won't have shampoo for blonde hair). How am I going to spend leisure time? What supplies do I need for that...?

Theses thoughts are back on my mind as I pare down and repack my suitcases for the last time before I fly out. Hurrah!