For many Japanese families, New Year's Day is an important holiday that is celebrated with much symbolism in decor and the food that is prepared. The celebration begins before even stepping foot inside the home.

Like spring cleaning, cleaning the home may occur over several weeks until the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1. A clean and organized home is a positive way to enter the new year.

The kadomatsu is placed at the front door. This is an arrangement of three bamboo shoots and evergreens tied three times with straw rope.

It is displayed at the entrance of the house to welcome Toshigami to protect the house and to bring long life and strength to the family.

In Hawai'i, kadomatsu can be found at most Japanese food stores and in supermarkets.

Decorating the home often includes other Japanese traditions such as making ikebana-inspired floral arrangements. You can utilize items that can be found around the home, such as a sushi or bamboo mat, floral foam, greens and flowers from the yard, and even river rocks on your presentation table to create a beautiful Japanese theme.

Keep it simple, and try to arrange florals in odd numbers, which creates a pleasing asymmetry, and also has cultural significance.

Japanese New Year fare includes special selections of dishes that represent prosperity, good fortune and health.

The New Year's Day celebration menu must include the following: