Happy New Year. On New Year’s Day, I went to a shrine with my family in the morning and prayed for a good year. Waking up early was a little hard, but the cold air felt fresh and clean. It made me feel that a new year had really started. There were many people at the shrine, and everyone looked happy and calm. The lively mood was very New Year-like and left a strong impression on me. After praying, I drank amazake. It was warm and sweet, and it made my cold body feel relaxed and comfortable. After that, I went to my grandmother’s house and spent time with my relatives. Many family members gathered there, and the house felt very warm and cheerful. There was a lot of food, such as sushi and sukiyaki, on the table. Everything looked delicious, and it was hard to choose what to eat first. I enjoyed every dish, and I ate more than usual. While eating, we talked about recent events, school life, and old memories from the past. We laughed a lot, and time passed very quickly. Some relatives were people I do not see very often, so I was happy to talk with them and hear how they are doing. Spending time together with my family and laughing was very fun and meaningful. I felt once again that New Year is a special time. I was able to start the new year in a positive way, and it became a New Year I will remember for a long time.