Christmas and New Year's Eve mark a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. This season invites opportunities for picnics, travel, and cherishing moments with family and friends. Around Dhaka, numerous picturesque spots offer ideal settings for day trips and vacation celebrations close to home. Discover the best places near Dhaka for day tours and staycations to make your festive season memorable. Top Locations Around Dhaka for Christmas & New Year Vacations . The Cottage House Nestled in the rustic area of Savar, Cottage House is a stunning guesthouse spanning an impressive 28,800 square feet. This state-of-the-art villa, located just an hour from Dhaka, boasts a 1,300-square-foot swimming pool, perfect for relaxation. Guests can unwind in two spacious air-conditioned rooms and enjoy amenities like barbecue facilities, open dining, and a badminton court. The lush green lawn, thoughtfully designed garden, and an artistic swing at its center elevate the aesthetic charm of this retreat. For those seeking luxury blended with tranquility, the Cottage House offers an ideal escape. The resort’s address is Plot 93B, Badda Bhatpara Road, Savar, Dhaka. The place is reachable through Savar's Bazar Road. Read more: Exploring Sreemangal: Top Destinations for an Unforgettable Travel Experience Mawa Thanks to the operational Bhanga Expressway, this busiest area has become a tourist hotspot. Known for its vibrant ferry ghat and the iconic Padma Bridge, the locality is ideal for day trips.  Visitors can savor freshly cooked Hilsa, enjoy boat rides on the Padma River, and return to Dhaka by evening. Sunset seekers are drawn to the captivating views of the mesmerizing and mighty Padma River, which add a touch of magic to the experience. One standout destination in Mawa is Project Hilsha at Louhajang, Munshiganj. This architectural marvel shaped like a Hilsa fish is more than a restaurant. It’s an attraction offering local and international cuisine alongside child-friendly rides. Read more: How to Visit Dinajpur's Kantajew Temple Shilbarir Heshel Located in the idyllic village of Nandankana, Sirajdikhan, Heshel of Shilbari is a unique venue that embodies rural elegance. Spread across 105 katha, this property features a charming courtyard surrounded by trees, a traditional wooden house inspired by Bikrampur's architectural style, and a serene pond. Dining here is an extraordinary experience, with food served on banana leaves placed over copper plates. All ingredients are locally sourced, and the meals are prepared by village women using clay stoves, giving guests an authentic taste of rural life. This resort remains open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The trip to this place requires booking in advance for groups of 10 or more. The journey involves taking the Mawa-Bhanga Expressway, exiting at Abdullahpur, and continuing through Nimtala Bazar and Birtara Road. Boat Trip on Shitalakshya  For those who enjoy the serenity of rivers, a day-long tour over the Shitalakshya River and adjacent tourist spots can be an idyllic escape. Departures from Shimulia Ghat or Brahmankhali Ghat in Purbachal Sector-4 include trawlers and cruises for hourly rentals. Nearby attractions include Noapara BSCIC Jamdani Palli, renowned for exquisite handwoven sarees, and Murapara Zamindar Bari, a historic mansion in Rupganj of Narayanganj. Read more: How to Visit Kotka Beach at Sundarbans Visitors can also explore the Kanchan Marina and Ostrich Harbor, home to the vintage paddle steamer PS Ostrich, a relic of Bangladesh's maritime history. Jal Kachari Resort Located at Hazratpur in Keraniganj upazila, this blissful hideout offers an unparalleled riverside retreat. Its most enchanting feature is the sweeping view of the Dhaleshwari River.  This resort boasts vibrantly painted red-and-white tin-roofed Praneshwari Cottage and two elegantly designed sunrooms. The Gangchil platform, a floating structure right on the river, provides an intimate space to experience the tranquil surroundings. Read more: Essential Snake Safety Tips for Hiking, Trekking, Camping, and Traveling Guests can indulge in local cuisine enriched with authentic techniques on earthen stoves, savoring traditional flavors amidst the pristine greenery. What’s more? The boat rides allow visitors to enjoy the river's magnificent beauty more joyously. Jal Kachari Resort is just an hour’s drive from Mohammadpur via Kalatia Road. This place is perfect for those seeking a peaceful yet culturally rich getaway.

As 2024 winds down, the arrival of 2025 offers a fresh slate to set new goals, embrace change, and build momentum in both personal and professional endeavors. Whether you’re planning to level up your career, focus on health, or strengthen relationships, the new year is a perfect opportunity to realign and recharge. Here are actionable tips to help you start 2025 with clarity, motivation, and a renewed sense of purpose. Ways to Prepare for the New Year . Reflect on Successes Before preparing for the new year, look back on the small to big accomplishments in the passing year of 2024. Feeling content for successes in your personal life, academic, or professional career will boost your confidence and encourage you to start 2025 with determination. Review Unfulfilled Goals and Challenges Take time to look at the resolutions and goals of 2024. It is quite normal to have unfulfilled dreams and uncherished desires this year. Try to recognize shortcomings in efforts and identify challenges. This can prevent you from making similar mistakes. Thus, you can overcome the passing year’s challenges and set attainable goals for the year ahead. Read Social Media Addiction: How to detach yourself from the cycle Start Gratitude Journaling  In the coming year, you can start the habit of journaling. Nowadays, many free Android and iOS apps are available for online journaling. Those are simple to use. You can also maintain a paper diary for this purpose. You can write down moments of happiness and gratitude due to achievements in your personal life, academics, or professional career. Any memorable incident, such as an exciting traveling experience, that occurred in the passing year can also be mentioned in the journal. A grateful mind will help you start the new year with an optimistic mindset. Set Attainable Goals New Year's resolutions often remain unfulfilled because people tend to set big, hard-to-achieve, overwhelming, and sometimes unrealistic goals. To avoid this, consider what you want to accomplish in your personal, academic, and professional life in 2025. Now, break down big goals into smaller, achievable steps or objectives. Focus on mental health, physical health, career, relationships, learning, etc. Read How to let go of a lifelong dream and embrace a new one? Depending on specific goals, the objectives may involve actions like yoga, meditation, seeking therapy, reducing stress, joining a gym, fostering better work-life balance, learning new skills, aiming for a promotion or scholarship, pursuing new opportunities, etc. Declutter Physical and Digital Spaces A clean and tidy environment in your living and workspace can help you create a fresh start for the New Year.  You can schedule time to clean different rooms and areas of your home. The free spaces, empty walls, and cleaned areas can be used for diverse purposes, like adding handy furniture or simply doing artistic decoration. Decluttering your wardrobe is also necessary to separate old and unused clothes and accessories. You can send those for donations or resell. Read IKIGAI: The Japanese Secret to a Long Healthy life Removing unwanted gadgets and documents can give you scope to decorate your office or workspace smartly. Furthermore, digital decluttering like cleaning up your email inbox, updating old software, and backing up necessary files can make the screens and interfaces of your smartphone, laptop, and computer safer, more user-friendly, and more organized. Set Financial Plan Skillfully Review your finances for the passing year of 2024. Check the inventories of your earnings, expenditures, and savings. Try to find the sectors of overspending so that you can avoid wasting money on the same things in 2025. It would be wise to set a budget and plan for any upcoming expenses. Nowadays, many financial management apps are available on Google Play and iOS platforms that can help you manage finances in everyday life. Moreover, look for new possibilities of additional income opportunities and more savings in the coming year. Setting achievable and organised financial goals can help you increase your bank credits at the end of the year. Read How to find your passion for a more fulfilling career?

At the dawn of another year, setting financial resolutions becomes crucial for a stable future. It can serve as a roadmap towards economic well-being, empowering individuals to manage money more effectively. Proper management of expenses aids in reducing debt, making savings, and creating new investment windows. Prioritising financial goals ensures a more organised and secure financial journey. Overall, it fosters the path towards achieving long-term aspirations. Let’s take a look at some practical resolutions to manage your finances in 2024. Top 10 Financial New Year’s Resolutions and Ways to Fulfil Them Creating a Budget and Sticking to It Creating a proper budget is key to managing money smartly. Try using apps or spreadsheets to split your money between what you need, what you want to save, and what you can spend on non-essential or luxury things.  By keeping a close eye on your spending and sticking to your budget, you can avoid spending money on things you do not need. It helps you keep your expenses within your budget. Read more: 10 Foods to Eat for Good Luck in New Year Practising Mindful Spending Being mindful about spending means making choices that align with your goals and it leads to a more stable financial future. It is very important to take a mindful approach to spending by thinking before you buy. Try to focus on what you truly need rather than what you want right now. You may consider if your purchase brings long-term benefits. This way of spending helps you control your money better and keeps you on track to reach your financial aims.  Paying off Debts and Loans One should make it a priority to clear off debts with high interest rates as they can weigh one down financially. For instance, credit card debt needs to be paid in due time to avoid fines. To repay big debts arranging money from savings or low-interest loans can be considered depending on the situation.  In the new year, one can prepare a repayment plan to settle all debts and get financial freedom. Read more: 5 New Year Resolutions that are actually achievable Building an Emergency Fund Life can surprise us, so it is wise to have a safety net for unexpected costs. Try to stash away money for an emergency fund that can cover living expenses for three to six months if needed. You may look into FD or DPS packages offered by different banks or financial institutions. This practice can help you save more money while making sure you can access them easily.  Whenever you hit a milestone on your savings journey, take a moment to celebrate your progress towards your financial safety net.

The advent of a new year is celebrated around the world expecting a healthy and prosperous future ahead. In this celebration, people love to enjoy some quality time with family and friends in a joyous ambiance. Centering this event hotels and restaurants are offering lucrative offers for dinners and staycation. Let’s take a look at some events and parties in Dhaka on New Year’s Eve. New Year Festivities and Parties in Dhaka on December 31st Night Revibe Parties by Radisson Blu Dhaka’s Radisson Blu Water Garden has arranged the "Revibe Gala Dinner 31st Party'' in Utshab Hall and the "Winter Revibe Party" in the Ballroom, hosted by ReConnect Multimedia.  On offer is live music, and a dazzling array of entertainment, including fashion shows, celebrity dances, salsa, hip hop, laser shows, and belly dance. The Grand Ballroom and Utshab Hall present distinct celebrations, each offering a unique experience.  Tickets range from 3500 BDT to 10000 BDT. The minimum age requirement is 18, and the dress code mandates chic and sassy for ladies and a jacket or suit for gentlemen. Read more: 10 Foods to Eat for Good Luck in New Year Pankouri New Year Fiesta 2024 If you are looking for a family-centric celebration for an unforgettable evening, check out ‘The Pankouri New Year Fiesta 2024’. Organised by Pankouri An Indigenous Dine Out, the event aims to create meaningful moments for families.  Scheduled for December 31, 2023, starting at 8 PM at Pankouri Restaurant, the fiesta offers an exclusive experience with live music, DJ Vicky spinning 80s beats, a delectable buffet and live BBQ —all within a smoke and alcohol-free environment.  The event emphasises a joyous celebration for singles, couples and families with kids.  Tickets are available for those eager to welcome the New Year surrounded by family warmth. The ticket price for singles and couples is BDT 3000 and 6000 respectively. For a family with two children the ticket price is BDT 8000.  Read more: The Enduring Lessons of Christmas: Embracing Kindness, Hope and Renewal Galactic Night by Le Méridien  Do you want to welcome the new year in a cosmic environment with stellar vibes? Hosted by AllEvents.in, Le Méridien Dhaka’s Galactic Night event is set to entertain the guests with music under a celestial sky. 

The world population grew by 75 million people over the past year and on New Year's Day it will stand at more than 8 billion people, according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday. The worldwide growth rate in the past year was just under 1%. At the start of 2024, 4.3 births and two deaths are expected worldwide every second, according to the Census Bureau figures. Trump is blocked from the GOP primary ballot in two states. Can he still run for president? The growth rate for the United States in the past year was 0.53%, about half the worldwide figure. The U.S. added 1.7 million people and will have a population on New Year's Day of 335.8 million people. If the current pace continues through the end of the decade, the 2020s could be the slowest-growing decade in U.S. history, yielding a growth rate of less than 4% over the 10-year-period from 2020 to 2030, said William Frey, a demographer at The Brookings Institution. Israeli strikes across Gaza kill dozens of Palestinians, even in largely emptied north The slowest-growing decade currently was in the aftermath of the Great Depression in the 1930s, when the growth rate was 7.3%. "Of course growth may tick up a bit as we leave the pandemic years. But it would still be difficult to get to 7.3%," Frey said. Maine bars Trump from ballot as US Supreme Court weighs states' authority to block former president At the start of 2024, the United States is expected to experience one birth every nine seconds and one death every 9.5 seconds. However, immigration will keep the population from dropping. Net international migration is expected to add one person to the U.S. population every 28.3 seconds. This combination of births, deaths and net international migration will increase the U.S. population by one person every 24.2 seconds.

The arrival of New Year's Eve traditionally brings with it spectacular fireworks displays. While visually impressive, these celebrations often have unintended consequences, such as disturbing wildlife, contributing to air pollution, and posing fire hazards. As environmental awareness grows, there's a shift towards finding safer, more sustainable ways to celebrate. This guide offers a range of creative and eco-friendly alternatives to fireworks for welcoming the New Year, ensuring that your celebrations are not only memorable but also kind to our planet and its inhabitants. Exploring Creative and Sustainable Ways to Ring in 2024 without Fireworks 1. Theme-based Home Party Transform your home into a magical celebration space with a chosen theme. Consider superheroes or fairy tales for kids, and perhaps a nostalgic retro or glam theme for adults. Encourage guests to dress in theme-specific attire. Decorations and snacks tailored to your theme can elevate the experience. This personalized, home-based party offers a unique, intimate, and cost-effective way to usher in the new year. 2. Epic Movie Marathon Plan a movie marathon night with a specific theme like classic comedies, epic adventures, or family favorites. Set up a comfortable viewing area, either indoors with blankets and pillows or outdoors with a projector under the stars. Create a mix of films to cater to different age groups, ensuring everyone has a favorite to look forward to. Don't forget the popcorn machine and a snack bar to mimic a real cinema experience! Read more: 10 Foods to Eat for Good Luck in New Year 3. Culinary Delights: Cooking and Potluck Why not make the kitchen the heart of your New Year's celebration? Arrange a group cooking session where each participant can contribute to making a special dish. For a more relaxed approach, host a potluck dinner where everyone brings their signature dish. This not only makes for a diverse spread of culinary delights but also sparks conversations and recipe exchanges. Combine this with music, a dance area, and a storytelling corner to reminisce memories, experiences, and adventures. 4. Competitive Game Night Organize a game night featuring a variety of games – from classic board games and card games to interactive video games and outdoor sports if weather permits. Tailor the game selection to suit all ages and interests, ensuring everyone has a chance to participate. Offer small prizes for winners to add an extra layer of excitement to the competition. 5. Showcase of Talents: Music, Dance, and More Create a home concert or talent show where guests can perform their favorite songs, dance routines, or even magic tricks. This is a great opportunity for everyone, especially children, to showcase their talents and enjoy the spotlight. You can also curate playlists for a dance party, ensuring there’s something for every musical taste. Read more: IGP calls for flawless security over Christmas and New Year

Resolutions give us an opportunity to outline our aspirations and step towards personal growth. Beginning of the year is a great time for setting resolutions to embrace fresh beginnings with the pursuit of positive change. However, not all resolutions last longer. People often fail to keep resolutions. Let’s find out how to keep the New Year’s resolutions. Why New Year Resolutions Fail Tradition over Purpose Many resolutions arise from tradition rather than a genuine need for change. When resolutions are set solely because it is customary at the start of a new year, the motivation to pursue them may dwindle compared to goals rooted in a true necessity for transformation. Failure to Anticipate Obstacles A common oversight to fulfil resolutions is the lack of foresight regarding potential obstacles. The barriers are different for every individual. If someone neglects to identify and plan for potential barriers, it can significantly increase the likelihood of encountering setbacks in achieving his or her resolutions.   Read more: How to Spend the Weekend in a Creative Way Unrealistic Goals and Lack of Accountability Setting excessively challenging or overly simplistic objectives often leads to failure. Lack of accountability further diminishes the likelihood of accomplishing these goals. Studies reveal that accountability doubles the chances of achieving set objectives.  Neglecting Tracking and Planning Neglecting regular progress tracking and inadequate planning contribute to failure. Establishing a routine review system and meticulous planning are essential to keep resolutions. This process fosters consistency and allows for adaptations to challenges that may arise along the way. Unclear Purpose and Self-Doubt Unclear reasons behind resolutions and succumbing to self-doubt are detrimental. People tend to set goals without a clear roadmap. It leads to frustration and eventual abandonment of their resolutions. A strong emotional connection to goals helps dispel excuses and strengthens commitment.  Read more: Good Stress: What Are the Benefits of Eustress? 10 Tips to Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolution Set Specific and Measurable Goals  First, establishing clear, measurable objectives is foundational. Try to begin by establishing precise, measurable objectives that can be effectively tracked. Specificity ensures clarity in what you aim to achieve and aids in progress monitoring and strategy refinement.  Measurable goals provide a tangible way to track the advancement and make necessary adjustments for success. When goals are well-defined, they become more manageable, and progress becomes more apparent. Read more: How to Enjoy Your Own Company: Tips to Overcome Loneliness

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said he is looking forward to continued strengthening of the Bangladesh-US partnership in the new year. "During my first year in your remarkable country, it's been an honour to meet with members of civil society, government officials, artists, politicians of all parties, and our vital partners that work to continue to strengthen the ties between the United States and Bangladesh," he said Sunday in a message shared by the US Embassy in Dhaka on its verified Facebook page. Read: We remain better prepared in 2023: Shahriar Alam "I am also thankful for the incredible hospitality and have enjoyed tasting new culinary flavours from Briyani to Mishti-Doi," the ambassador said. "On behalf of the US embassy community, wishing everyone a peaceful, prosperous, and happy new year!" he added.  

As the new year approaches everyone is wishing to have a happy and prosperous year. Interestingly, some food traditions are believed to be a lucky way to start the next. People in diverse cultures try different types of good luck foods to bring fortune in the coming year. Let’s take a look at 10 top New Year's foods to bring you and your family good luck in 2023.  10 Best New Year’s Day Foods to Bring Prosperity in 2023 Black-Eyed Peas  The origin of this food is Europe. If you are celebrating New Year's dinner in the South, you can serve the dish of black-eyed peas that are prepared with meat, celery, and onion. It is a traditional dish that has been consumed for luck for more than 1,500 years.  They are special as they got their start as part of the Jewish New Year. Most importantly, they are packed with important nutrients including fiber and vitamin A.  Pomegranates  Probably the main origin of Pomegranates is Persia. The people of Greece think that pomegranates have brought good luck to them but they use it differently. Instead of eating, Greek families crush a pomegranate on the threshold of their home at the start of the New Year thinking to bring good luck to them. However, that doesn't mean you can't add extra fruit to your sparkling drink when you toast at midnight or turn it into a delicious drink.  Read More: 10 Netflix Shows to Watch during Christmas & New Year Holidays Lentils Lentils are originated in Europe and eaten all over the world for the new year because these tiny and yellow colored legumes suggest gold coins and they are considered to bring prosperity in the coming year. The people of most of the continents of the world eat lentils and it is considered to help you pad out your bank account in the progressing months. Whole Fish Chinese believes that serving fish whole with both head and tail brings prosperity, abundance, and a good year to come from start to finish. Legend also says that eating a whole fish—generally with the head, tail, and all—brings good fortune for the new year. Fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins like D and B2 (riboflavin) and is rich in calcium and phosphorus. It is also a great source of minerals, including iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium.  Cookies  Cookies are the right kind of food to Kick off the New Year with messages of luck, hope, and prosperity for your friends and family. You can slide each personalized message into your handmade cookie. If your loved ones have a good sense of humor, you can consider preparing cookies and drawing something laughing on each cookie.  If you're really busy all time, you can use your pre-made fortune cookies. Read More: 5 Exciting BBQ and Grilling Recipes for New Year’s Eve. Grapes/Raisins According to Spain culture 12 grapes or raisins are eaten just before midnight, one for each month of the year will bring good fortune for all 12 months of the year. It is also the tradition of Mexico also. They believe that the luck you’ll possess each month is dependent on the deliciousness of the grapes.   Buttered Bread/Cornbread The people of Ireland love to celebrate their New Year's Day with Buttered Bread. Traditionally, it is believed that buttered bread placed outside the front door epitomizes an absence of hunger in the household and presumably for the year to come. Cornbread is also considered lucky because of its golden brown color. People of the USA believe that cornbread can bring gold and wealth in the upcoming year.  Green Veggies Leafy greens vegetables have deep emerald colors and so hearty greens like kale, spinach, and collards are considered to bring wealth and health to you if you enjoy them early and often in the New Year. It is also believed that a garnish of parsley can fend off evil spirits. You need to embrace this New Year's food tradition if you wish to have health and wealth for the coming year.  Read More: Best New Year Movies of all time to start afresh Cake You can joyously consume cake for any occasion, so this whole luck thing just feels like a bonus. Round cakes are said to be lucky because of their shape. As they look like coins,  they are thought to bring forth wealth in the new year. In Greek culture, friends and family gather around and enjoy a round cake that often has a coin baked inside. If you receive the slice with the coin in it, you will get extra luck for the new year and usually a gift or prize.  Oranges  Oranges are usually passed out during Lunar New Year to call forth prosperity.  It is natural that these citrus fruits have made their way to our Gregorian calendar celebrations as well. The bright color of oranges evokes joy and happiness. The Chinese called the mandarin orange, Kam. You can take the mandarin orange an extra lucky piece of fruit for you and your family.  Read More: 5 New Year Resolutions that are actually achievable. Bottom line So far, we have mentioned 10 New Year's Day foods to bring good luck and prosperity. However, there is no scientific evidence that foods can bring good luck. Still, people of different cultures across the world follow News Year’s day food traditions to get a prosperous new year. Why don’t you try these foods and try your luck?

New Year's celebrations swept across the globe, ushering in 2023 with countdowns and fireworks — and marking an end to a year that brought war in Europe, a new chapter in the British monarchy and global worries over inflation. The new year began in the tiny atoll nation of Kiribati in the central Pacific, then moved across Russia and New Zealand before heading deeper, time zone by time zone, through Asia and Europe. At least for a day, thoughts focused on possibilities, even elusive ones like world peace, and mustering — finally — a resolve to keep the next array of resolutions. In a sign of that hope, children met St. Nicholas in a crowded metro station in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Yet Russian attacks continued New Year's Eve. At midnight, the streets of the capital, Kyiv, were desolate. The only sign of a new year came from local residents shouting from their balconies, “Happy New Year!” and “Glory to Ukraine!” And only half an hour into 2023, air raid sirens rang across Ukraine’s capital, followed by the sound of explosions. Read more: Ukraine conflict casts shadow on Russia as it enters 2023 Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported an explosion in Holosiivskyi district, and authorities reported that fragments of a missile that had been shot down had damaged a car in a central district. In Paris, thousands celebrated on the Champs Elysees, while French President Emmanuel Macron pledged continuing support for Ukraine in a televised New Year's address. “During the coming year, we will be unfailingly at your side," Macron said. "We will help you until victory and we will be together to build a just and lasting peace. Count on France and count on Europe.” Big Ben chimed as more than 100,000 revelers gathered along the River Thames to watch a spectacular fireworks show around the London Eye. The display featured a drone light display of a crown and Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait on a coin hovering in the sky, paying tribute to Britain’s longest-serving monarch who died in September. Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach welcomed a small crowd of a few thousand for a short fireworks display, and several Brazilian cities canceled celebrations this year due to concern about the coronavirus. The Brazilian capital's New Year's bash usually drew more than 2 million people to Copacabana before the pandemic. Turkey’s most populous city, Istanbul, brought in 2023 with street festivities and fireworks. At St. Antuan Catholic Church, dozens of Christians prayed for the new year and marked former Pope Benedict XVI’s passing. The Vatican announced Benedict died Saturday at age 95. New York City prepared to join the glow of the new year with a dazzling Saturday night spectacle in iconic Times Square, anchoring celebrations across the United States. The night culminates with a countdown as a glowing geodesic sphere 12 feet (3.6 meters) in diameter and weighing almost six tons descends from its lofty perch atop One Times Square. Its surface is comprised of nearly 2,700 Waterford crystals that will be illuminated, officials said, by a palette of more than 16 million colors. Read more: Revellers throng to New Year’s parties after COVID hiatus At the stroke of midnight, a ton of confetti was expected to rain down on soggy revelers, glittering amid the jumbo screens, neon and pulsing lights. Last year, a scaled-back crowd of about 15,000 in-person mask-wearing spectators watched the ball descend while basking in the lights and hoopla. Because of pandemic rules, it was far fewer than the tens of thousands of revelers who usually descend on the world-famous square. Before the ball dropped, there were heavy thoughts about the past year and the new one to come. “2023 is about resurgence — resurgence of the world after COVID-19 and after the war in Ukraine. We want it to end,” said Arjun Singh as he took in the scene at Times Square. In Australia, more than 1 million people crowded along Sydney’s waterfront for a multi-million dollar celebration based around the themes of diversity and inclusion. More than 7,000 fireworks were launched from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and another 2,000 from the nearby Opera House. “We have had a couple of fairly difficult years; we’re absolutely delighted this year to be able to welcome people back to the foreshores of Sydney Harbor for Sydney’s world-famous New Year’s Eve celebrations,” Stephen Gilby, the city’s producer of major events and festivals, told The Sydney Morning Herald. In Auckland, New Zealand, large crowds gathered below the Sky Tower, where a 10-second countdown to midnight preceded fireworks. The celebrations in New Zealand’s largest city returned after COVID-19 forced them to be canceled a year ago. Chinese cautiously looked forward to 2023 after a recent easing of pandemic restrictions unleashed the virus but also signaled a return to normal life. Like many, salesperson Hong Xinyu stayed close to home over the past year in part because of curbs on travel. “As the new year begins, we seem to see the light,” he said at a countdown show that lit up the towering structures of a former steel mill in Beijing. “We are hopeful that there will be more freedom in the future.” Concerns about the Ukraine war and the economic shocks it has spawned across the globe were felt in Tokyo, where Shigeki Kawamura has seen better times but said he needed a free, hot meal this New Year’s. “I hope the war will be over in Ukraine so prices will stabilize,” he said. In military-ruled Myanmar, authorities announced a suspension of its normal four-hour curfew in the country’s three biggest cities so residents could celebrate New Year’s Eve. But opponents of army rule urged people to avoid public gatherings, fearing that security forces might stage a bombing or other attack and blame it on them.