Photo showing Fumiko Takatsu looking up with hand under her chin and smiling while reflecting on her most special Christmas memory

Why Christmas Holds a Special Place In My Heart

Two Conversations I Had With My Future Father In Law Before He Was Diagnosed With A Terminal Tumor

I have many fond memories of when I was younger, celebrating Christmas with my brothers. But my most special Christmas memory is from when I met my parents-in-law during my first holiday season together with Henry.

Coming from a family of six sisters, I was sure that it was going to be a very full house. He tried to brief me on everybody’s name and personality, but I knew that I had no chance of remembering everything, so I decided instead that I would just be my genuine self and hope for the best. I was most worried about Henry’s parents because while they loved Japanese culture, I knew they were very Catholic and might not approve of the fact that I had already been married and divorced.

To my surprise, I felt very welcomed by the whole family, especially by Henry’s dad! I couldn’t believe that he had the same birthday as my mother, and even reminded me so much of her personality. We spent a lot of time sharing stories about trips to Japan and talking about Japanese culture. After spending all of Christmas Day there, receiving so much love and acceptance, I knew I wanted to be a part of this family. I was so happy to be back there for New Year’s day to share more memories with this fantastic group of people.

Those were the only two times that I was able to have in-depth conversations with Henry’s father before he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. During this time I was going back and forth between Japan because of my job, and each time I left, I knew it could be the last I would see him. Each time I came back, it was getting harder and harder to have a conversation with him, yet I still felt the love he channeled for Henry and me and these conversations brought me the most precious Christmas memories.

In this period we also got engaged and married, as we wanted the entire family to be there for the event – we didn’t know what would happen if we waited any longer. It filled my heart to see my parents join us in the US, and especially to see how well my father bonded with Henry’s father, despite the cultural differences they had.

As we knew the time remaining for Henry’s father was getting shorter and shorter, it seemed that he felt it too. One day he invited each of the eight kids to spend some individual time with them. At the end of the meeting, he gave each one a personal letter with his final words. When Henry came out, he showed me his, and I was overwhelmed with emotion. In the letter, his father also mentioned me and how he was happy that I had come into their family and that he wished me lots of success with the Face Yoga Method.

At that moment I knew that I had to share my feelings with Henry’s father before it was too late. Watch my video below to find out exactly what I said to him.

Shortly after, on the day of a New Moon, he passed away, and it was in the moment that I realized what an important lesson the universe had given me: don’t wait to share your feelings. It might seem so simple, but we often get too busy or maybe are too shy to be so genuine. Regardless of if it’s a friend, a family member, or even a stranger, you never know when you will get another chance or if you will ever see them again. I have now made it a mantra to live by – I don’t want to have regrets in life, I just want to share how I am feeling precisely in that moment.

This holiday season, whether you are celebrating Christmas or something else, and whether you are able to see your loved ones or not, there isn’t a better time to share your feelings. If you live far away from your family or friends, pick up the phone and share your love with them. Expressing your true feelings will give you satisfaction and make you feel lighter than ever.

I hope you have a fantastic holiday season filled with love and connections!


17 thoughts on “Why Christmas Holds a Special Place In My Heart”

  1. lydia Maria Eichiner

    Very understandable, I wrote right now to my special friends a message to make sure I said to them what I feel. Thank you for sharing and remember us to communicate in time.

  2. Fumiko yr video is very touching. Thank you for sharing yr experience with me, yr words moved me to tears, and i want to return yr wishes for a wonderful new year 2019.

  3. It was a beautiful story and message. Thank you for sharing.
    Nothing in the world is more special than the deep connection with our love ones.

  4. Dear Fumiko!!

    I want to thank you with my soul for the wonderful human being you are, also for the beautiful message of love you have shared that went deep to my heart and woke up all my cells to start being disciplined with the Face Yoga Method Jump Start that I have bought several months ago and to be honest I haven´t done it. Love also the coherence between your inner and outer self, that encourage me to practice your method daily if I really want to be 20 years younger.
    I wish you and all your team love, peace and happiness always with my heart!!
    Sincerly
    Magaluz

  5. Thank you sooo much for sharing your beautiful story. It really resonated with me as this season I’ve been struggling. You just gave me comfort and clarity. I understand your father in laws fondest for you. The love and compassion you showed telling this story says it all. You are very right. We do need to let our loved ones know we miss them and love them as our time is short. You are an inspiration!

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