December in Japan

In Japan, December is a month of preparation for the coming year, marked by bringing closure to the old year and welcoming the new one. Here are some traditional customs observed during the last month of the year:

1. Oseibo:
   Oseibo is a gift-giving tradition in Japan. These gifts are given to express gratitude to relatives, coworkers, or superiors, such as your boss. Around this time of year, many online catalogs and department stores feature gift sections specifically for Oseibo.

2. Osoji (Big House Cleaning):
   People thoroughly clean their entire homes before December 28th to remove the year's dust and welcome the New Year’s good spirits into a clean space. It is often a family activity where everyone participates.

3. Nengajo (New Year’s Cards):
   People write and send New Year’s cards, usually featuring the coming year’s Chinese zodiac animal, to friends, family, colleagues, and others. These cards typically include messages expressing gratitude for the past year and best wishes for the year ahead.

4. Omisoka (Countdown):
   While fireworks and parties are common worldwide on December 31st to celebrate the New Year, people in Japan traditionally have a quiet countdown at home. Temples across the country ring their large bells 108 times, a number believed to represent human desires.