It is our family tradition to visit our parents' house for New Year breakfast/lunch. So off we went (we slept in a little bit so they were actually waiting for us for a quite a while). My aunty and one of the cousins were there too. It was great to see more of the family : )
Mum ordered some osechi - the special New Year lunch box (often comes three layered). We used to make them when we were kids but now mum finds it easier and tastier to order from some famous restaurant. Each of the food symbolizes certain things and has a special meaning. For example the light yellow looking fish eggs (cured herring eggs) are called Kazunoko. Kazu means "number" and ko means "child". It symbolizes a wish to be gifted with numerous children in the New Year. Black beans in the middle are called kumo-mame. Mame means beans and also means "health," symbolizing a wish for health in the New Year.
I haven't had this meal for a while so it was very nice to taste the New Year : ) Then after the food it was the kid's favourite time - Otoshidama giving. The kids get given special envelopes with some money.
Oliver was bit confused...
Yuzuki and Runa were very happy.
This is a very expensive tradition we have here in Japan, it is similar to ang pao money in Chinese culture. When I was kid I loved this time but as you become parents it just hurts as you need to spend so much money (after spending a fair bit for Christmas...) but for sure it made the kids very happy : )
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