Now that the fireworks smoke has cleared, it's time to think of other New Year's traditions, like mochitsuki.

Mochi pounding is a traditional Japanese New Year's custom that allows participants to reflect on the blessings and events of the previous year. Mochi is offered at religious shrines as a prayer of hope for the coming year.

Today, there's a free pounding session from 10 a.m to noon at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani's Dolphin Lanai. For more information, call 922-5811.