Because I was born in Japan and have celebrated Christmas there for 20 years, I can say that most Japanese people don’t know what Christmas is all about.

Although I have never experienced an American Christmas, I have gathered from movies that it’s a really big event for Americans following Thanksgiving. Families and friends gather around Christmas trees and exchange presents. And then, of course, there are the big dinners.

We have less than a month left before winter vacation. I am already excited to go back to Japan and cannot wait for Christmas.

However, this year, I have one more exciting event before the winter vacation — Thanksgiving.

I will never forget the words that my father told me — “A war will break out.”

On September 11, 2001, as the United States was being attacked by terrorists, I was in Japan watching the second plane crash into the south tower of the World Trade Center on television.

While I understand university students are really busy between a full-class load and work, I’ll admit I was quite surprised by the fact that class time is often lunch time.

Just when I thought I was almost used to American culture, a student next to me started eating a chocolate snack during math class.

People experience culture shock when they visit other countries for the first time. I should know — I’m experiencing it right now.