Japanese New Year traditions

Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! (Happy New Year!)

I'm very into Japanese traditions and culture, and New Year is a special time that the Japanese celebrate in a special way.  

These are my mini kadomatsu (the bamboo pieces that hold the ancestral spirits) and the New Year animal, which is the usagi (rabbit).   I also have my shimenawa, which is a twisted rope wreath. 

We have a great Japanese grocery store but it's not exactly nearby.  I wanted to get over there to buy some kagami mochi this year but didn't get a chance to.  Instead I made this little version and put it on a display stand.  It's made out of craft felt cut in decending circles and stuffed.  

Have a great new year!