We went to hatsumode today. In Japan, people visit shrines in the new year to pray for good health and happiness in the new year. Also you can get omikuji (fortunes) and omamori (good luck charms). I fell asleep on the way there, but I still got my fortune: middle blessing. Not bad. We also got a good luck charm for the car. Being a baby and asleep, it was not a very exciting tradition for me. I’m sure it will be a lot more interesting when I’m older. There were some food stands just outside the shrine and when I’m older I’m sure I would enjoy the festival food that is often served there. But for this year, I’m content to have just visited the shrine to pray for good health and happiness for me and my family. It is a very nice way to start off the year.