Reasons why Christmas in Japan beats Australia: Food prep isn't stressful

In Australia, Christmas food often means abundance bordering on excess. Long preparation (in the depths of summer, no less), heavy meals, and expectations around hosting can turn food into labor, and it's what I saw generations of women in my family do before me. No, thanks. 

Here in Japan for Christmas, seasonal food is optional and fun. There's no expectation that you'll cook a massive meal or recreate tradition perfectly. There's also no issue with going the Japan route and just getting yourself some Christmas Eve KFC and enjoying the leftovers on Christmas Day. You get to participate as much or as little as you like.

We've gone the KFC route for several Christmas seasons here in Japan, and I'm not mad about it one bit. 

I think this means that everyone still gets to enjoy the day without worrying about slaving over a stove and oven, prepping multiple dishes, and the like, so it feels a bit more fair, too.