New Year, Who Dis?!
Clear the Clutter, Cleanse Your Space, Call in the Good Vibes!
When I was working, December was a busy month- fewer working days with the same amount of work that needed to be completed, festive work competitions like door decorating, holiday parties, family gatherings, gift-buying, gift wrapping, travel, home decorating, etc. I feel busy just thinking about it.
Interestingly, now that I'm on sabbatical-light (I’m working a small part-time job), the holiday season is more relaxed. Michelle and I did some light decorating of our low-maintenance tree. I have one upcoming low-key work party and a few friend gatherings scheduled, but overall, my December is not overwhelming.
This space gives me the chance to participate in a holiday tradition that previously seemed unattainable—the holiday reset. I had heard of the Japanese Oosouji, a clearing that is typically performed in December before New Year’s Day. "Oosouji" means "big cleaning." The goal is to clear out dirt, clutter, and negative energy from the past year, creating a fresh and welcoming environment for the Toshigami-sama (New Year deity).
Researching this, I found that many cultures, such as the Chinese Lunar New Year Cleaning and the Latin American End-of-Year Limpieza, have similar traditions. In all of these traditions, the goal is to clean out the old, cleanse the space, and welcome in abundance for the new year.
Reviewing ChatGPT’s summary of the various traditions I noticed some patterns and created this three-step process for this end-of-year rejuvenation: Clearing, Cleansing, and Calling in Prosperity. Each phase is described below with its purpose and sample activities.
Clearing
Purpose:
To let go of darkness and negativity, release the past, and create space for renewal.Example Activities:
Decluttering physical spaces, such as closets, cabinets, and drawers.
Disposing of broken or unused items to make space for new energy.
Organizing digital spaces, like clearing out emails, files, or unused apps.
Cleansing
Purpose:
To purify the environment, remove stagnant energy, and prepare the space for positive vibrations.Example Activities:
Burning incense or smudging with herbs (like sage, palo santo, or frankincense) to energetically cleanse the space.
Deep cleaning the home, including scrubbing floors, washing windows, and dusting hard-to-reach areas.
Washing linens, clothes, and curtains to refresh the home.
Calling in Prosperity
Purpose:
To invite prosperity, blessings, and good fortune while creating a fresh and welcoming atmosphere.Example Activities:
Decorating with symbols of positivity, like lights, flowers, and rangoli patterns.
Preparing offerings or rituals to honor deities (e.g., welcoming Lakshmi in Indian traditions or Toshigami-sama in Japan).
Adding new elements to the home, such as fresh plants or decorative items, to symbolize growth and renewal.
Clearing
I created a personalized list of tasks to focus on for Clearing. This includes cleaning out my car, organizing the pantry, removing cards from the fridge, and tracking my expenses—such as discontinuing unused subscriptions and cutting unnecessary costs. It’s also the perfect time for a haircut. Clearing is about removing all that is excess, both physically and mentally. This can even include discontinuing meetings or events that no longer add value. The goal is to create space for change. Inspired by the KonMari method, I’ll express gratitude for everything that has “brought me joy” but no longer serves me.
Cleansing
Cleansing takes Clearing a step further by addressing the hidden corners we often overlook. This includes scrubbing the baseboards, washing porch furniture, and mopping floors with my Swiffer WetJet. I’m also incorporating dietary clean-up here to symbolize the removal of accumulated toxins—both physical and symbolic—that have built up over the past year (or even a lifetime) by eating more healthy foods and drinking enough water.
Calling in Prosperity
“Calling in prosperity” is the final step, where I intentionally welcome abundance and positive energy into my space and life. I’ve been excited to freshen up my car with a new essential oil scent, making this the perfect occasion. Other actions include lighting palo santo, drinking plenty of water, fixing our low-hanging Jesus portrait, and hanging the mystical calendar my friend Karinka gave me for my birthday. I’ll reserve some of these activities for New Year’s Eve to fully embody the energy of abundance as I welcome 2025.
As I prepare for the New Year with these rituals, I’d love to hear about yours! Do you have any traditions or practices that help you start the year fresh and intentionally? Share your favorite New Year rituals or tips in the comments below—I’d love to be inspired by your ideas!