On 'being the change' in Japan

I recently asked a question in the City-Cost Q&A section about some of your favorite Christmas and New Year's travel spots in Japan. Recent data from Google had Tokyo as the top-searched destination for travel during the festive period, but I was curious if anyone else had any suggestions that made them feel those warm and fuzzy holiday vibes.

We discussed things like illuminations being not specifically "Christmassy" but giving off some festive cheer, and fellow blogger ToneToEdo mentioned an experience she had by Kashiwa Station, where a group of people were caroling during the tail end of the year.

It had me missing that experience in my own country, where caroling events are often held during the warm summer nights down under in various parks and gardens. This was a suggestion, though:

It's really had me thinking about that last point -- that sometimes as foreigners living abroad, we have to be the ones making the changes rather than expecting those feelings of home to just turn up on our doorstep. I could absolutely organize some kind of Christmas event, especially since we have a large international university in our town with many people also living away from their home countries. I'm sure more people than just myself would appreciate it.

We've had fun organizing Halloween events through the university, where kids and adults alike get dressed up in costumes and bring a food item to share. There's typically a lot of candy, as well! I figure that doing something Christmas-themed shouldn't be too tricky.

It had me wondering if any of you fellow City-Costers have taken the initiative to be the change – have you brought any elements of your own culture and customs here, to share with others and remind you of home at the same time?