Oshogatsu (new year in Japan)

Happy New Year again... I guess I wrote this a lot of times to greet my friends in FB. It's still a whole New Year anyway.

And now showing you the first SUNRISE of 2010 as seen from our living room.

First SUnrise of 2010 from the Land of the Rising Sun

How did we celebrate our New Year? Indeed it was much different from the way I used to.  New Year's Celebration in Japan is pretty calm and traditional. But it is most celebrated holiday. Establishments are mostly close during the first few days. Although most shopping malls are already open during the 2nd day and they're all having a BIG SALE for a week (can't wait for the winter sale on feb...)

Our Lil dolly Azumi has become the center of attraction during New Year's day because she was wearing a Kimono given by my mom's MIL, Okasan, as she walked all by herself. My neighbors and some people passing by just can't help but compliment her. I guess nowadays, you rarely see kids wearing a traditional dress on Oshogatsu. Even the people in the temple we visited on the 2nd day were amused.

We headed first to my mom's Parents in Law's house for a quick visit and AISATSU (あいさつ） or showing respect. They were so happy to see our lil girl in Kimono. It was a great morning. The most exciting part was when Azumi received OTOSHIDAMA from Okasan

Azumi receiving her first Otoshidama from Okasan

Otoshidama is a monetary gift placed in a small enevelope given by adults to the kids  (and not so young) on New Year's Holiday. There are different colors and designs only made for Otoshidama.

What made us all even more unexpectedly excited was when Ojisan (grandfather) handed us all money as his way of appreciation.

Mom was the most obviously overjoyed lol

We headed straight to my Parents In Law's after. There we had our traditional New Year's food.

me and Maru Chan

 Unsweetened Mochi in a special Ozoni Soup

Another Japanese New year's custom is to eat Mochi for longer life. Just be careful not to choke when you eat this.

 Visiting a Japanese Shrine or Temple is also one of the Japanese New Year's tradition. People pray for good fortunes in the coming year.

You will be able to experience a festival atmosphere with various food stands and thousands of people making wishes and purchasing lucky charms for a fortunate new year. Most atmospheric is a visit to a temple at midnight on New Year's eve, when the temple's bell is rung repeatedly.

I bought a fortune for 100yen and I picked up a good one..

After a long day, we treated ourselves with Steak dinner... this time it's not a tradition. 

Happy NEW YEAR.. 

sorry for the long post

More New Year's Photos Here