お歳暮(せいぼ)

ETYMOLOGY:
歳暮(せいぼ) 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(ちゅうげん) 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(ちゅうげん):

• お歳暮(せいぼ) is often considered slightly more important
• If giving only one, お歳暮(せいぼ) 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.