How eating KFC became a Christmas Day tradition in Japan
the sad things that happened. Let’s take off our pajamas nowAt the end of each of the ads, a chorus of children’s voices shout “!” , as if Mama and Papa forgot to reserve a barrel of Kentucky Fried Chicken last year, leaving the family disappointed and hungry. This wistfulness points back to Takeuchi’s oddly melancholy chorus, asking for Christmas to “erase away the sad things that happened.”
The promise of KFC becomes not merely one of togetherness, but of erasure. It’s not just that everyone comes together around a heap of fried chicken, but that with KFC the family can indulge in some selective amnesia, forgetting whatever hardships may have occurred in the year before. Passing around the KFC Party Barrel, arguments and misfortunes, disappointments and disasters fade away in the glory of the deep-fried moment.off at home, my sister and I took the subway to the edge of town.
I wish I could tell you that the food court KFC was full of rosy-cheeked shoppers, cheerily waving receipts, standing in a snaking line for a pressed paper bag of crisp chicken. I wish I could tell you that my father and mother greeted us at the door, glowing with delight as we brandished our chicken spoils. I wish I could tell you how we sat around the low table in our rented apartment and laughed merrily.
Instead, when we reached the mall’s food court, we found a large open space, rapidly emptying. By the KFC stand was a lone cart pushed to the side. At the register stood a few young people, glancing at the menu, clearly bored. In the cart sat 20 or so neatly wrapped paper packages with clearly numbered tags. A figurine of Colonel Sanders stood watch, his grin broad and cartoonish under a Santa hat. It was as festive as an airport baggage claim.
My family shuffled around the living room in our pajamas, quiet and exhausted, settling in various positions on the floor. We kept the TV on, periodically glancing at the game shows flickering on the screen. My mother had lit a candle and placed it on an upturned tangerine box, since the table was too small to fit everything. We silently munched our chicken, passing sides between us, contentment spreading throughout the room.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The True Star of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Is Babu FrikWe regret to say that we love Babu Frik, the indisputable breakout star of the new StarWars movie
Read more »
Is this life-changing Christmas gift from my new in-laws too good to be true?My new in-laws are offering 20 acres of property in a trust and say that a piece can be gifted to us without financial penalty. Is this too good to be true?
Read more »
It's True — I'm a 'Sucker' For This Spot-On Jonas Brothers Ab WorkoutOne of the highlights of 2019 was the return of THE Disney boy band of the mid-2000s, the Jonas Brothers. It was one of those seminal moments: we'll all
Read more »
Christmas traditions around the worldFor the millions of Americans who celebrate the Christian holiday of Christmas, the holiday is synonymous with traditions of everything from baking and decorating Christmas cookies to trimming a Christmas tree with heirloom ornaments. Americans go on marathon shopping trips, both in store and online to find that perfect gift while listening to Christmas carols. Stockings are hung and people enjoy Christmas parades, concerts and the classic Christmas films with a glass of eggnog or mug of hot cocoa. Around the world, Christmas traditions vary, but sharing a joyous spirit is a common theme.
Read more »
How KFC became a Christmas tradition in JapanKFC Japan's busiest day is usually December 24, on which they usually sell about five to 10 times more than typical days. To better understand how and why fried chicken became synonymous with Christmas in Japan, we have to rewind a few decades.
Read more »