I very much enjoyed reading this post & those links about the Japanese New Year's celebration & the soba noodle making. I have to admit that I don't really know much about Japanese culture (or other Asian cultures) at all (or very limited). So thanks for that.

I loved the soba pictures! I have enjoyed making my own pasta from time to time, but it *is* a process that you can't really rush. I'll be making varskeciai this afternoon, for our Christmas Eve meal. That's a traditional dish for my family--a meatless dish. It's a noodle dough that is cut into a circle & then filled with a cottage cheese filling; we serve it in a sour cream white sauce...it is SO good! anyway, seeing those pictures at the soba link surely made me think that cultures of the world are not so different, in some aspects...

My feelings on Christmas have waxed & waned over the years. I agree with some of what you wrote...you are making me more thoughtful than I already am! I know for me that as we go forward in life, with all the changes that happen over the course of time, we make our own traditions, with people who we claim as family--whether they are related by bloodline or by choice. hmmmm...I may make a more thoughtful post about this...

anyhoo. Thanks for sharing! and Merry Christmas!