1.
year-end gift
A gift given at the end of the year (typically December) to express gratitude to people who have helped you throughout the year.
取引先にお歳暮を送る。
To send a year-end gift to a business client.
お歳暮の時期になると宅配便が忙しくなる。
Delivery services get busy during the year-end gift season.
毎年お歳暮にハムを贈っている。
Every year I send ham as a year-end gift.
ETYMOLOGY:
歳暮 literally means "year's end." The お is an honorific prefix.
TIMING:
- Early to mid-December
- Should arrive before the New Year
- Often sent earlier than お中元 in the gift-giving cycle
COMMON GIFTS:
- Ham and meat products
- Seafood (crab, salmon roe)
- Sweets and confections
- Sake, beer, or other beverages
COMPARISON WITH お中元:
- お歳暮 is often considered slightly more important
- If giving only one, お歳暮 is typically prioritized
- Same recipients and similar value range (3,000-5,000 yen)
MODERN TRENDS:
The custom is declining somewhat among younger generations, but remains important in business relationships.
Related Words
Related:
お中元 (mid-year gift)