Today we are switching over to 2013. Not all people on the world at the same time, but just nicely spread over 24 hours.
Fireworks seems to be required to get rid of the old year. In Sydney people spent a lot of money on that. If we would not spend that money, a lot of Chinese people would loose their jobs. They other way round: If all the money would support the poorest people in education and support job starters the common wealth would grow. It is up to you, whom to support. I take the 2nd option.

Paul