In Japan, December is called shiwasu, which literally means "teachers run around." This word reflects the busiest month of the year. Actually, Japanese people run around a lot to welcome a new year with a clean state. All cleaning need to be done by the end of the year in contrast to "spring cleaning" that is common in some western countries (at least, here in Portugal, the annual great cleaning is before easter and in Tibetan tradition is by the end of the lunar calendar, which means, by Carnival). People also decorate around and in the house. The decorations of pine and bamboo (kadomatsu) are placed outside of doors.

(image: Shizuko Mishima)

Twisted straw ropes (shimenawa) are hung on doors to bring good luck, and shimekazari which is made with straw, paper decoration, and tangerines are hung various places to thank to the god for harvest. The bamboo, pine, tangerines are also symbols of longevity, vitality, and good fortune. Kagami - mochi (rice cake) is another traditional New Year's decoration: two round shaped mochi one on top of the other. Kagami mochi is placed in the main room in a house.

December is the bounenkai (forget-the-year-party) season. The best time to do silly things and be drunk!