Osechi

This year Big Sister bought a box of osechi from Isetan, a department store. It served two people. She bought it so we could sample some fancy side dishes. She ordered it several days ahead and then picked it up on the 31st (osechi is eaten the first three days of the new year including dinner on the 31st.) The osechi box was wrapped in a furoshiki and was packed in a cardboard box.

We had other traditional side dishes. Like walnuts and small dried fish.

Stewed vegetables that include lotus root, sato imo, mushrooms, carrots, gingko nuts, burdock, bamboo root, and konnyaku.

And datemaki, spongy sweet egg cooked with fish broth. It is served at room temperature.
Check this post for more pictures of osechi. I didn't take pictures of everything this year.

Check Kids Web Japan-- New Year's Day and New Year's Cards

Winter Solstice

We float yuzu in the bath on the winter solstice. This year we're drinking it in our green tea, too. It is from Lupicia. Tea can be ordered in the United States here. The labels on the cans are different. Check the label below for other posts about yuzu.

Birds Eye View

Early morning view of Mt. Fuji.

Early Morning View

The moon over Mt. Fuji in the morning.

The Nutcracker

Big Sister and I went to see "The Nutcracker" again this year. Little Brother went only once with us. A long time ago. He wasn't interested. Check this old post.

Ordering Christmas Cake

Starting in late November, you can order the traditional Japanese Christmas cake, strawberry shortcake, at some cake shops, grocery stores and department store food sections. You can also just drop by and buy one, but it's best to order, especially when buying from a small neighborhood cake shop.

Here's a post about other Christmas cakes.

Mt Fuji in the Afternoon

 

Persimmons

Persimmon tree across the taro field.