We’re a year wiser now. How’s that for optimism? We’ve left 2023 behind us and now cherish new dreams and aspirations for a brand new year. Expectedly, we aspire to do things differently, in fact, we desire to do better than what we did before. Every additional new year we tack on wisdom, learn from the previous year’s mistakes and experiences, and so try not to repeat them. Hopefully, we’re that little bit wiser with every passing year.
Come the year-end, Christmas takes center stage. Before long the new year unveils itself and we usher in a brand new 365 days to live a better and happier life. The 1st of January is celebrated globally with new hope and fresh starts for everything at all levels. It’s no wonder fireworks will light up the skies all around the world. Its resounding booms and bright flashes will resonate from the first minute after midnight in the East to all around the West as the clock ticks amidst cheering crowds.
As we anticipate the entrance to the new year, we are mindful of the extreme challenges faced by many these last few years including the heavily declining demographics in the warring nations impacting further on the severe health crisis prevailing prior thereto that had already claimed millions of precious lives. May we offer up prayers for the cessation of wars and mankind to tame their violent inclinations and to return to a more accommodating and peace-loving stance? There is a desperate need to scale down the deep hatred that had unleashed itself and pitched man against man. We need to question why we are unhappy, jealous, or discontent. Politics and religion have made humanity’s problems even more complex. Unrest within countries is already difficult enough what more when that unrest and discontent spills out onto neighboring countries? And where will all this stop? We dare not even think about it though we must.
Friends and families will, nevertheless, still gather to celebrate the new year. It’s a tradition that’s been long in the making that will continue to be observed, come what may. Amidst the celebratory notes, let us also put our hearts and minds as to how this year we can make an effort to alleviate some amount of suffering that we see. Any contribution, no matter how small, will be helpful.
And, for those gathering to ring the new year in, there is no need to go overboard. I suggest a simple charcuterie board to go with your drinks. Design your own. Include some cheeses, cold cuts, crackers, bread, and fruits. Your imagination is your limit.
