A perk of expat Christmases – the freedom to celebrate how you want

We just got done eating our Christmas lunch a short while ago, and it consisted of various Indian curries (chicken saag, aloo gobi, tikka masala), samosas, naan, and rice. It's probably not the most traditional of Christmas meals, but I think that's one of the perks of being an expat – you're free to celebrate holidays how you want to.

Growing up, I had a fairly traditional Christmas experience. Lunch with one side of my family, dinner with the other, seeing basically every relative (aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins) in the one day. It was much the same for my husband, with expectations of always attending his family Christmas event. While I think a lot of us probably lament the ability to easily be with family due to living abroad, there is the nice plus side of being able to structure a Christmas (or any other holiday) experience in the manner you want, without obligations weighing upon you.

I read somewhere once that traditions are really just peer pressure from your ancestors, and I can understand what was meant by that. Some family traditions are enjoyable, but others end up leaving you feeling stressed or bound to things you don't necessarily want to do. So while there's no extended family and no big traditional roast meal or backyard barbecue for our Christmas, there's a whole lot of relaxation, plenty of pajama time, a relaxing and unrushed morning, and food that might not be traditional, but is thoroughly delicious. 

Has living in Japan changed your idea of what a "traditional" holiday should comprise of?