Winter. A time of year where the air becomes crisper, skin is concealed behind cloth, and warmth is everywhere. Autumn and winter have always been my favorite time of year, there's something special laced in between the days of the changing of the color of leaves, to the smell of cinnamon and pine in the air. Where the days are an endless shade of beautiful grey, and the sun falls asleep faster than usual. I am in Japan again for the winter, but I'm not going home for Christmas this year. It will be hard spending this family-themed holiday alone, but I can still feel the love of people from thousands of miles away, so it's just enough.
Yesterday, after attending an instore event, I decided to head down to Hakata to photograph the Christmas illuminations they have up this year. I had almost forgotten that they also have stalls up this year, something they didn't have last year. I felt a twist of nostalgia and warmth and my lips stained with smiles, wandering from stall to stall looking at items that are all too familiar, and the smell of "foreign" food filling the air. In this blistering cold, my heart felt searing hot inside of my body. I only wish someone had been there for me to share company with.
I hope you all have a warm, happy holiday!
