Gerardo’s family has their own way to enjoy Christmas. Each member of the family is obliged to buy a present for only one of family members. At this time, I was included as one of them. Three weeks ago, we decided who would buy a present for whom by picking up a paper on which was written a name from the box. I picked up the paper on which was written Javier’s name. Javier is Gerard’s oldest brother. My name was picked up by Jorgito. As a matter of fact, Gerardo and I went to Santa Fe to buy Christmas presents five days ago, and it took us over three hours to choose presents!

Yesterday at 8:00 p.m., Gerardo’s family and I gathered around the small Christmas tree that was surrounded with presents at his parents’ house. I gave Javier elegantly designed shirts and a perfume set. He was happy as a child when I gave him his presents and gave me amiable hugs three times in a row, since he could not repress his surprise and delightedness.

Jorgito gave me a mobile phone and two shirts with an expectant smile on his face. While I was opening the presents, his enthusiasm overwhelmed him, and he bellowed, “Shogo, tear them up! I told you, it’s very useful. Now you have a mobile phone. Let me call you. Oh my God, it’s very nice, man. You have fifty minutes free credit. Gerardo, here is Shogo’s mobile phone number – save it, save it! Shogo, do you like these shirts? Try them on right now because I want to see if they fit on you. Oh my God, they fit you perfectly!”

In point of fact, it was a superb feeling to exchange presents sometimes. In Japan families are not as close as Mexicans. Japanese lost such feelings long time ago because of their hectic daily activities. I think that Japanese had better learn from Mexicans how to show their emotions unrestrictedly and how to enjoy such family bonds sometimes if they want to remain as human beings.