last (couple of years, etc.), these, past, this
Used with time-related nouns to refer to a period of time or a specific date close to the moment of speech. Depending on the context and the specific time word, it can refer to the immediate past, the present, or the immediate future.
Referring to a past duration
When followed by a duration of time, it indicates a period that has continued up until now.
I have been busy these past two or three days.
It has been cold these past few years.
Referring to a specific point in time
When followed by a specific point in time, it refers to the instance of that time closest to the speaker.
I will go to the sea this Sunday.
I bought a car this January.
When used with periods of time like 'two years' or 'three days', it usually refers to the period leading up to the present (the last/past X days). When used with specific calendar markers like 'Sunday' or 'January', it refers to the most recent or upcoming instance of that time.