Round-shaped fruits must be put on the dining table. No one eats a piece before the clock ticks 12:01. All containers must be filled or full, strictly speaking. Make the loudest noise you can possibly create. Call me traditional.

Don’t you feel a sense of invisible camaraderie with fellow earthlings when you imitate what you think everybody else is doing? 

We went out of our tiny home at exactly 12 midnight hoping to find free fireworks display. We were not disappointed. One of our neighbours unselfishly shared his fantastic fireworks. They apparently cannot constrain the view to themselves.

I think that’s the beauty about fireworks – it can never be for just a single person. Or a single family. Once lit, its amazing mix of colourful lights will be instantly enjoyed by many  – single mothers, the afflicted, the poor yet happy couple, a rich yet miser neighbour, the labourers, the street kids, the homeless – I could go on and on.

Point is, fireworks resemble the spark of hope every new year brings. If you’ve been hurt in 2013, 2014 whispers a promise that your aches will be replaced by joys. If you’ve suffered in 2013, 2014 hints that you might be on your way to happiness. If you’ve been away from your loveones in 2013, 2014 promises reunion with them.

When you’ve worked hard in 2013, expect that 2014 will reward your efforts. When you were successful in a project in 2013, you shall win more victories in 2014. When you have traveled to a few islands in 2013, you are surely going to travel more in 2014 – your feet simply itch when they don’t go to new places.

To end this post, I’d like to seek the help of a master visionary, James Allen:

In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result. Chance is not. Gifts, powers, material, intellectual, and spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort; they are thoughts completed, objects accomplished, visions realized.

The Vision that you glorify in your mind, the Ideal that you enthrone in your heart—this you will build your life by, this you will become.

Now, say it with me: Good morning, 2014!  

Photos were taken by Neil. You may visit his new blog at neilplus.com.