The final days of December dwindle and the anticipation of a new year surges. Many of us reflect on how we choose to celebrate this yearly milestone.

Traditionally, firecrackers and fireworks have illuminated our nighttime skies, adding a vibrant burst of color and sound to our New Year’s celebrations. As we step into another year, I want a celebration with noise, prioritizing it with peace.

There is no oxymoron in this. The sound of firecrackers popping brings a sense of excitement and festivity, but it also brings peace to our hearts, knowing we get to enjoy this once-a-year all-time noise with families, relatives and friends. It is the peace we all crave, to share the season’s noise and joy with those who matter to us most.

The sight and noise of fireworks can cause significant distress and anxiety in pets, especially in dogs, who may go into a panic. To minimize their discomfort, it’s best to feed them early, cover their ears with cotton and secure them in their cages or in a safe area of our home a few minutes before the fireworks start.

Let’s not forget our veterans and others who may be sensitive to loud noises. For them, the clattering atmosphere can be a painful reminder of experiences they’d rather forget. The best New Year’s assurance is to tell them that the noise will soon pass an hour after midnight and peace will quickly reign at dawn.

The environmental impacts of firecrackers warrant scrutiny. Many types of fireworks contain harmful chemicals that can contribute to air and noise pollution.

We can still light up the sky with loud explosions for good reasons, as tradition dictates. However, we could also engage in activities that bring people together without the associated drawbacks.

The best New Year celebrations can be experienced not just in family reunions at home but also in community gatherings, music and shared experiences.

A neighborhood block party featuring potluck dishes, games for children, local artists performing and everyone sharing their hopes and resolutions for the upcoming year, fosters connections and sparks meaningful conversations that firecrackers cannot provide.

Of course, we all look forward to that euphoric countdown as the clock strikes midnight. A peaceful celebration could include the collective cheers and a dazzling light show that doesn’t rely on the harsh sounds of traditional fireworks. Many cities around the globe have already begun implementing drone shows or laser light displays as alternatives — captivating audiences without the noise.

In the coming year, let’s strive to strike a balance between tradition and innovation. This means a celebration with less reliance on firecrackers could lead us toward a more inclusive, compassionate and environmentally friendly way of ringing in the New Year.

New Year’s celebration lies not in the noise, but in the joy of new beginnings, the warmth of community and the promise of hope.

Let’s embrace a quieter path into the New Year — one filled not with explosions, but with connection and kindness.