The cleaning is called Susuharai , or soot-sweeping. Both inside and outside the house, the stains, physical and spiritual, of the past year are rubbed out in order to purify the home and make it fresh for the New Year. Then, on New Year's Eve, a pine decoration known as Kadomatsu is set up on both sides of the front entrance. Some homes have elaborate Kadomatsu with bamboo added to the pine, as well as plum branches. The Kadomatsu is thought to welcome good luck into the house.
Many special dishes are prepared for the holiday season.
Since the holiday itself is a time of rest from housework, the foods are such as to free the housewife from her regular chores. An important food at New Year is Omochi , steamed rice that has been pounded and formed into cakes. This is eaten either grilled on a brazier or in a soup, known as Ozoni . Vegetable dishes are also popular during the New Year holiday, partly because they are easy to prepare and easy to store. Food shops generally remain closed throughout the holiday period, so it is necessary to stock on all items.