A New Year’s Tradition, Inspired by JapanThis winter, our family spent two weeks in Japan — a long-held bucket list trip and a deeply treasured time together with our adult children. We were fortunate to be there over New Year’s, when Japan is filled with quiet rituals, symbolism, and a sense of reflection and renewal that felt both grounding and joyful.
As we travelled, we encountered several beautiful New Year traditions. At shrines, we watched people draw omikuji — small paper fortunes offering guidance and hope for the year ahead. We learned about otoso, a spiced New Year’s sake traditionally shared to wish good health and longevity. And in shops large and small, we came across something that delighted us immediately: mystery bags.
Known as fukubukuro, these New Year’s “lucky bags” are sold after January 1. You don’t know exactly what’s inside — only the price, and the trust that the shop has curated something special for you. The joy is in the surprise, and in the generosity of spirit behind it.
Although Gingerbread World is rooted firmly in European food traditions, we loved the idea so much that we knew we wanted to honour it in our own way.
Every January, we hold our annual end-of-season sale on edible treats. It’s our way of clearing out Christmas stock, making room in the warehouse, and giving our customers the chance to stock their pantry with favourite European treats — lebkuchen, stollen, marzipan, chocolate, and confections — at significant seasonal discounts.
This year, inspired by our time in Japan, we’ve added something extra.
Our version of the lucky bag is not something you purchase — it’s a gift from us. For a limited time, orders over $90 will receive a complimentary mystery sampler box, included as a thank-you for shopping our January sale. Find the hardcore details here.
In other words, this year’s sale is a bit of a double bonus: you enjoy reduced prices on the items you choose, and you also receive a curated surprise — a small selection of European sweets chosen simply to delight and invite discovery.
Just like the Japanese tradition that inspired them, these sampler boxes are meant to be playful, generous, and a little magical.
As we begin this new year, we’re deeply grateful — for travel, for family, and for the community that supports our small business season after season. The past year came with its challenges, but moments like this remind us why we do what we do: to share traditions, stories, and small joys through food.
We hope this New Year’s treat box brings a little of that spirit into your home.
Warm wishes for a peaceful, hopeful, and delicious year ahead,
Gingerbread World
Mystery sampler boxes are available for qualifying orders placed before January 28, while supplies last.
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