In the "Lifestyle Suggestions" section, MOOMIN SHOP ONLINE staff will suggest lifestyles that incorporate recommended Moomin items.
2024 is just around the corner. December is a busy month with family outings and year-end parties with friends and coworkers, but it's about time to start preparing for the new year. I want to work hard on cleaning and tidying up so that I can enjoy spending time at home more, but I'm not very motivated and I end up putting it off.
At times like these, I often remember an episode involving Moominmamma and the Moomin family. Do you know it?
Moominmamma is known for her loving, tolerant nature, her talents in cooking and sewing, and her perfect image, but in the Moomin comics story "Mysterious Pretend Play," you can see her unexpected side, as she puts off cleaning and washing the dishes. Moominmamma and the Moomin family don't do housework as a chore, but rather value doing it while having fun, which is something I admire very much.
Tidying up during the year-end and New Year holidays can be a hassle, but why not take the Moomins' mindset as a guide and have some fun while you do it?
In the story "Mysterious Pretend Play", there is a scene where the Moomin family enjoys waxing while wrapping cloth around their feet and dancing to music. It's great that the whole family does it together!
I've never actually tried waxing in this way, but I have a special tool that allows me to clean like in this scene.
The underside of these Stinky mop slippers is made of mop material. You can dance like the Moomins, or you can clean while doing other things like cooking or doing the laundry.
Especially in winter, when dust is likely to fly around, reducing the time spent vacuuming allows you to use that time more effectively. It's especially helpful during the busy end-of-year and new year period, so it's a must-have item in our house in the winter. It's also easy to wash if you put it in a laundry net.
In the story "Mysterious Pretend Play," there is a scene where Moominmamma hides the dishes under the bed and says, "I'm going to wash the dishes with rainwater, so I'll hide them under the bed until then. It looks tidy, doesn't it?" I love this positive line from Moominmamma, and regardless of whether or not you actually store the dishes under your bed, I think that making it look tidy without forcing it is a wonderful piece of housework wisdom.
This square basket will make your space look tidy without any hassle.
Not only can it store a lot of things, but the opening is a drawstring, so you don't have to pack everything neatly, allowing you to start tidying up without feeling pressured.
It also protects against dust, so it's recommended for storing things you don't use often.
There are three different designs, so if you buy them all together, they will create a unified look and make your room look neater. It's also nice that they fit into a color box.
When I went to visit my friend the other day, he told me that he uses it to store his children's stuffed animals, which are increasing year by year. The whole family can use it.
It also comes with a special bag so you can fold it up compactly when not in use. It's great for when you move house, as it doesn't take up much space.
This big Nyoronyoro is also a favorite item that makes tidying up fun. At first glance it looks like a stuffed animal, but it's actually a futon case that can be used to roll up a single futon and store it.
Not only can I store bedding that I'm not currently using, such as off-season bedding or futons for guests, but I also love that it looks cute even when left out in the room, and can also be used as a body pillow.
Since we got this case, my children have been helping us change the bedding, saying, "Let's play with Nyoronyoro!" I'm so glad that we can all enjoy tidying up together as a family, just like the Moomins.
In the Moomin comics "Mysterious Pretend Play," which we introduced together with our favorite goods this time, the Moomin family enjoys doing housework as "pretend play." As Moomin says to Misa, "It can be so much fun if you do it the right way!", it makes us realize that with some thought and ingenuity, even tasks that we thought of as duties can be fun.
In Northern Europe, where the Moomin stories originated, people live long, harsh winters, so making the home comfortable is very important.
Although Japan does not experience harsh winters like those in Northern Europe, why not enjoy some cleaning and tidying up to have a comfortable New Year's holiday?
It would be nice to welcome the new year with not only a clean room but also a clean mind. I wish everyone a happy new year.
