One of Japan’s year-end traditions is ōsōji, which literally translates to “big clean.” While it roughly equates with the Western concept of spring cleaning, ōsōji is connected to Shinto practices of purifying homes and shrines for the coming new year. Since most people are on vacation from work and school, theoretically the entire family is around to pitch in and help.

With colder months seeming to herald a rise in COVID-19 cases, coupled with the fact that the Japanese government is calling on businesses to extended new-year holidays to mitigate crowding and lessen the risk of infection, it might be prudent to follow local customs and take some time to give your home a literal and spiritual cleanse this winter.

Cleaning has actually been a trending topic all year. According to a recent nationwide survey of 2,080 people by Duskin Co., a leading firm in the cleaning services industry, more than a third of respondents said they cleaned more often as a result of the increased time at home, indicating a heightened awareness of the importance of hygiene and even a sense of accomplishment gained from cleaning.