Christmas Fever

Most people like Christmas and we all love summer. So it makes sense to have Christmas in the summer, don’t you think?

Back in Tokyo, Christmas is for couples. But here in Kiwiland, it’s usually for families although a civilized dinner with your family doesn't really sound much like a celebration. Perhaps we should treat each day like it's Christmas when it comes to family, just as we are always told to treat each day like it's our birthday.

This year is my first summer Christmas and it is deliciously hot. I celebrated with a quarter of million people at an outdoor concert in Auckland. The fireworks at the end were very impressive because they exploded right above everyone’s head. And the concert was truly a feast of music. Although I didn’t know most of the singers that night, I still enjoyed the songs – so much so that I joined the other people and danced.

While I was busy dancing, a group of teenage girls suddenly appeared out of nowhere and cheered me on. One of them came dancing next to me and invited me to dance together. So I did. We danced away happily and I didn’t feel I was among strangers anymore. Music connected us instantly.

There is certainly something powerful and mysterious about music. For example, an extremely talented band I discovered yesterday made me feel so alive again today. Of course an engaging book, an inspiring speech, a thought-provoking film, or an intellectual conversation, all has similar effect on me. The easiest way to seduce a woman like me is through words, music, and art. I find intelligence and creativity simply irresistible.

But I must admit that it is music that can touch me the deepest and on the most primal level. And I always feel that music can bring people together much faster than words or images.

So I am 100% for celebrating Christmas with music. But please kill me first if you really have to play “Jingle Bells” again. Arghhhhh!