Christmas in Japan is a secular holiday that has become an essential part of Japanese culture. Although it is not a national holiday, people celebrate it by decorating their homes with lights and trees, exchanging gifts on New Year's Day, and enjoying popular foods such as fried chicken from KFC and Christmas cake. Christmas Eve is considered a romantic day, and couples often go out for dinner or attend parties. One of the highlights of the Japanese version of Christmas is the elaborate illuminations or light displays found throughout the country. Despite its popularity, some people criticize the commercialization of Christmas in Japan.