[ethine]

I understand where you're coming from. Australia is similar. As soon as an Aussie thinks of "Australia Day", one automatically thinks of A LOT of booze.No one really puts in the effort to appreciate unique Aussie stuff which is sad because as boring as it looks, it really is a wonderful country to live in.The only other day that we "celebrate" our Australian-ism is ANZAC day (remembering the men and women who fought in all our wars).

We are also lacking severely in any other type of celebration or tradition.
Japan has stuff like Obon, Children's day and Seijin No Hi (coming of age).

Stuff like that really strengthens a country I think, and a lot of places (particularly western) seem to be lacking it. It's sad I think

I also think the fundamentals of celebration is to be happy and socialise, and most find happiness and enjoyment from having a day off just to drink and chill :} I know I love it!

*rant rant rant*