The birth of Christ in the Christian religions. Though most wouldn't view it as an "excuse to dilly-dally." In a world with many religious beliefs, many choose to use the time to celebrate it as a secular holiday; something of a meld of its original purpose and a winter solstice.
And since Japan's primary winter celebrations occur over the next week in conjunction with the new year, many have chosen to make it something a bit more intimate.
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And since Japan's primary winter celebrations occur over the next week in conjunction with the new year, many have chosen to make it something a bit more intimate.
It's really interesting to see, in any case.