もうすぐお正月

今年も残り二日になりました。我が家も例外なくお正月の準備に忙しい。忙しいのは主にママなのであるが、、、

There are only two days left this year. My family is as busy preparing for the New Year as everyone else. My wife is mainly busy …

しめ飾りは末広がりの意味を持つ縁起の良い28日に飾るのが良いようで、そうしました。

This is “Shimekazari”
In Japan, New Year is called “oshougatsu”, and the very first day of the year is called “gantan”. New Year’s Day is a very important day for Japanese people. We have many events and customs to celebrate New Year’s Day. “Shimekazari” is decoration of sacred rice-straw rope, and is placed across the top of entrance to a house during New Years holidays.
It seems that it is better to decorate on the 28th, which means auspiciousness, and I did so.

松飾りも簡素なものにしましたが、これも一応必要なものだからね。

This is “Matsukazari” the New Year’s decorative pine branches.
It is placed on both sides of the front entrance of a houseduring New Year’s holidays. It symbolizes longevity,prosperity and purity.

こなつにはお正月が何なのか全く分からないでしょう。でも我々が何となく忙しなく動き回っていることを感じている? お正月になればいつもより美味しそうなものが食卓に並ぶことが理解できるかもしれないね。

Konatsu will never know what the New Year is. But do you feel that we are somehow busy doing something? It may be understandable that meals that look more delicious than usual will be lined up on the table during the New Year holidays.

ママはおせち料理の準備に奮闘中。。。

My wife is struggling to prepare Special New Year dishes…