I know it’s been awhile since I wrote, but as we all know the holidays get crazy. And this year was doubly so for me as I had orders to fill, some last minute, and family gifts to make and get shipped out in time for my family. It’s December 23rd and I still have 1 more joint gift to finish, but I wanted to get on and wish you all a happy holidays.
My family is spread around and I don’t get to see them all but I get to send small gifts to my Mom, sister and her family in Hawaii. Now to my son and his new wife in Utah. And I get to see my older daughter and her husband this year on Christmas! This year my house is celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, the winter solstice and Yule. We have been busy but festive and it’s been a great year even though I miss my family that isn’t here.
There are so many holidays that are celebrated this time of year. Hannukha, the winter solstice, Yule, Christmas, Kwanza, Boxing Day…. But here’s one I didn’t know was celebrated. I have had a couple family members work for Japanese companies and I guess I should have known but didn’t.
Ōmisoka
Ōmisoka, New Year’s Eve, is considered the second-most important day in Japanesetradition as it is the final day of the old year and the eve of New Year’s Day, the most important day of the year. Families gather on Ōmisoka for one last time in the old year to have a bowl of toshikoshi-soba or toshikoshi-udon, a tradition based on eating the long noodles to cross over from one year to the next.
At midnight, many visit shrines or temples for Hatsumōde. Shinto shrines prepare amazake to pass out to crowds and most Buddhist temples have large cast bells that are struck once for each of the 108 earthly desires believed to cause human suffering. Learn more about Ōmisoka here.
There are too many resources to place here on all the celebrations in December, but I encourage you to spend time learning about even just 1! We are all human and I think you will find most holidays this time of year focus on the same things… Family, gratitude, blessings, and love. I will see you all in the new year with new and exciting things happening in the craft room!
