My Year-End Routine: Ōsōji Cleaning, Planners, and New Year Traditions

With Christmas right around the corner, I’ve started thinking about all the little “must-do” routines I keep at the end of each year—from deep cleaning the house to picking up fresh supplies for the new year, and my favorite part: taking the first three days off to reset.

I usually order my replacement items, especially new planners, at the end of November. There was a time when I’d forget, only to find myself scrambling because everything was sold out—or simply not available here in the islands. Living in Hawaii has its disadvantages when it comes to shipping and stock, but honestly, the beauty of this place makes every small inconvenience worth it.

One tradition that’s huge in my house is Ōsōji, the Japanese custom of year-end cleaning meant to sweep away the past year’s bad energy or luck. I move things around often throughout the year just to refresh the space (or because I get bored of the layout), and I vacuum under everything weekly. But Ōsōji has its own kind of clean. It’s deeper, more intentional—like replacing items, repairing what’s worn out, and yes… discovering expired things hidden in the back of the pantry (not proud, but it happens!).

This tradition goes beyond the home, too. For us, it includes getting a new outfit for the first day of the year, knocking out haircuts, decluttering, organizing—everyone in the family participates in some way.

My favorite part of Oshōgatsu (New Year’s season) is the first three days of January. Traditionally, you rest—no stress, no work, just welcoming the new year with calm and gratitude. Some families even extend it to seven days. I work from home, so I’m not as strict with this rule. I still pack orders because it genuinely makes me happy. So technically… is that even breaking the rules?

Growing up as a military brat, I’ve also picked up New Year’s traditions from all over the world—either from living in different places or meeting people from those countries. In the Philippines, for example, we displayed round objects like fruits and coins for prosperity. Friends from Spain taught me the tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight to bring good luck for the coming year.

Do you have any traditions for the New Year? I’d love to hear them!