As of this writing, 2021 has already arrived in much of the world, from a New Zealand free of the coronavirus to an England in lockdown. In most cities, there are no roaring crowds, no gatherings for fireworks shows and, let’s hope, no strangers kissing at midnight. But people around the world are still toasting the start of the New Year. In Australia, a fireworks show went on as usual. Big Ben, long silent while under renovation, chimed at midnight, as Britain left the European Union.

Source: New York Times December 31, 2020 22:52 UTC