As Australians around the country prepare to bring in the New Year, there have been some very controversial reactions to how people are choosing to say goodbye to 2023.
While New Year’s Eve celebrations usually conjure up images of stunning sequin dresses, free-flowing champagne and an impressive fireworks display, some have pointed out the “sad truth” of the highly-anticipated holiday.
“Can’t be bothered”
Sydneysider Carla Awad was praised after sharing what many have called a “super relatable” video where she detailed her thoughts regarding tonight’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
“Is anyone else not vibing going out on New Year’s Eve,” she asked her audience in a TikTok clip.
“I just can’t be bothered. Any sequin skirts, dealing with drunk imbeciles, driving for over an hour to get to a place and find parking.
“I’ve looked up all the events in Sydney and there is literally nothing interesting. I don’t want to get stuck in crowds, bumped and pushed against people and overstimulated in general.”
Carla said that while there are some cool things happening in other cities around the world, she does not feel that Sydney is the place to be for New Year’s Eve.
“For the time being, I’m going to plan a really nice night in,” she said.
“New Year’s Eve is so overrated, at least in the way it is expected to be celebrated.
“I feel like I just want chill vibes.”
Hundreds applauded and mirrored her reaction, saying they had zero desire to set foot outside the house to celebrate the New Year.
“It just doesn’t hit the same anymore,” one said.
“Plus, everyone is just broke and over it.”
“Having some friends over is the move, plus getting home is a nightmare plus the crowds,” another commented.
“Girl same, I’m having a wholesome night in for the first time, I’m just not feeling it this year,” one TikTok user added.
“Nobody I know is going out.”
“Lame”: Locals react to fireworks crowd
While many are staying in, there was no shortage of people getting up in the early hours of the morning to secure the perfect vantage point to watch the iconic Sydney fireworks.
Many of the most popular spots were already at capacity by mid-afternoon, with more than one million expected to flood into the city today in total.
With keen revellers forming an unbelievable sea of people on the ground, many on social media have slammed the event and asked why anyone would bother to wait for the fireworks.
“Sydney fireworks are 100% for tourists,” one commented.
“I don’t know a single Aussie who has seen them more than once.”
“Sydney NYE is the worst experience ever,” another said.
“I hope it rains and the fireworks will be covered by a cloud,” someone commented.
“Do they know it’s free on TV and you can go straight to bed after?” one user shared.
“Good luck trying to get home, you will all be out until 4am.”
“Waiting 15 hours to see fireworks is insane,” another added.
“How lame. I’d rather watch them at home.”
Others disagreed, with some sharing the staggering lengths they had gone to secure a good spot.
“I’ve been in my spot since 8am yesterday,” one said.
“What can I say, I really like my fireworks.”
“This has been on my bucket list for years,” another added.
“I don’t care what it takes, I’m so excited to be here.”
There will be up to 1000 accredited personnel behind the scenes and 250 volunteers making sure everything runs smoothly for the celebrations. Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore said a lot of preparation had gone into the evening.
“Our New Year’s Eve team and pyrotechnic experts have been working on tonight’s event for the past 15 months, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever,” she said.
“We’re expecting a million people around the foreshore tonight, so if you’re coming into the city, early via public transport, pack food and water, and wear good walking shoes.
“If you’re staying at home, tune in to our fantastic broadcasts on ABC TV and KIIS FM.
“Wherever you are, and however you celebrate, there’s no doubt that Sydney will be at its best tonight as we count down to the dawning of a new year.”