The New Year period, especially the first three days (January 1–3); a polite term for the New Year festivities including visits to shrines, family gatherings, and traditional foods.
お正月は家族と一緒に実家で過ごす予定です。
I plan to spend the New Year with my family at my parents' home.
お正月には神社へ初詣に行きます。
I go to the shrine for Hatsumode (first shrine visit) during the New Year.
毎年お正月にはおせち料理を食べる家庭が多い。
Many families eat osechi (traditional New Year dishes) every New Year.
年末の準備をして、安心してお正月を迎えたい。
I want to finish year-end preparations so I can welcome the New Year with peace of mind.
Can also politely refer to the first month of the year (January); used in formal or calendar contexts.
会社の始業はお正月明けの月曜日からです。
The company resumes work on the Monday after New Year's (i.e., after January holidays).
お正月の間は多くの店が休業することが多い。
Many shops are often closed during January/New Year's period.