Colonel Sanders and Santa?

by Paula Gail Benson

In the 1970s, Takeshi Okawara, who managed Japan’s first KFC, began the “Kentucky for Christmas” campaign after visiting an elementary school dressed as Santa. He realized that Japan did not have established family cultural traditions for celebrating Christmas. In addition, fried chicken is similar to the popular dish of karaage, panko-breaded, deep-fried chicken or fish. Some think chicken also might have been a good substitute for turkey that was not as accessible and drier in taste. KFC offered its Japanese customers a “party barrel” which included chicken, cole slaw, and cake. Although alternatives now exist, KFC remains a holiday favorite.

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Ever Here

The flood washed everything away, including me. At the kids’ urging, Con stayed. So, among the tangled roots that emerged from the drained lake bed, my spirit lingered. First, Con rebuilt the dock, certain of the water’s return. The construction lulled me to sleep beneath green foliage blanketing the bank. Then, I awakened among brown leaves, hearing metal clanking above. I peered around the planks and saw a lighted framework tree. We’d had one each Christmas, now for thirty-seven years. Eyes glistening as he viewed it, Con said softly, “Not evergreen, but ever here.” I stretched, yawned, and nestled deeper.

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This 100 word story is offered as an entry for the annual Advent Ghosts event hosted by Loren Eaton at I Saw Lightning Fall. See the other entries there. Thanks, Loren, for the opportunity!

Photo from Walmart Online Catalog