winter attractions?

My family is planning a trip to Japan over christmas/new years (to visit me, where i will be studying abroad!). We are trying to plan as much as we can, but don't know what kinds of things to do in winter. If anyone has any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated!

we'd like a good mix of things- not all sightseeing...


well thanks!!

Most sightseeing spots in Japan can be visited around the year:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e623a.html

An obvious specific winter attraction would be skiing:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2262.html

Hot springs are particularly enjoyable during the cold months of the year:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2292.html

You can see several new year event. many people visit Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines during new year holiday season, eat Osechi special dishes.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2064.html