They're like the way Scotland used to be back in they days when ER was a young man, ie. they celebrate Christmas but New Year's eve/day (Dec/Jan) is a much bigger celebration. They have a feast on New Year's Day - mostly fish it has to be said.
ST has obviously been taught his extreme hatred for the Chinese people from his yellow peril missus. All those Japs detest the Chinese. You can tell who wears the Jinbei in that relationship.