At the stroke of midnight when kisses exchange magic

BEIRUT: It’s the most bittersweet night of the year, the last moment for jotting down New Year’s resolutions, hoping for the possibility of a new beginning; a clean slate.

But amid all the existential complexity, it is still a magical evening, where one is suspended at a certain moment, kissing the right someone!

The New Year’s Eve enchantment dates back to 2000 B.C. where the earliest known celebrations were in Mesopotamia.

With 2018 coming to end, excitement grows as the countdown to midnight comes closer. Some who have decided to say goodbye to the old year, and meet the new one gathered with their loved ones away from the hassle and traffic of New Year’s Eve.

“I personally don’t like going out on New Year’s Eve. Besides, New Years is best spent with family,” said Garo Kalenderian.

While, a young Jouret Ballout pharmacist, Ellie Kassab, is going the traditional route and taking a young lady to dinner at a suitably pricey eatery in Mar Mikhayel.

Others spent months planning in advance to meet the pivotal moment with a group of friends.

“We’re a big group. We had to find a chalet to fit us all, and make sure everyone’s parents let them come.” Joey Tabbab, a senior high school student told Annahar.

For Avo Manjerian, CEO of SchedEx, New Year’s Eve means traditions.

“For Armenian Lebanese, Santa Claus comes on New Year’s Eve at midnight, so mainly we spend it with the family. After 2 a.m. I go out with friends, this year we might hit up Mar Mikhail just for drinks.”

Some exclaimed their frustration with New Year celebrations in Beirut.

“New Year’s Eve in Beirut is crowded and overdone. I and my friends are flying to Spain to celebrate in Barcelona,” said Hassan Abdallah, university student.

Sacrifices of celebration have to be made in order to ensure safety and wellbeing.

“It’s is a wild night with a lot of bad endings, that’s why I have to stay in the emergency room till the next morning.” said one trauma surgeon and emergency room doctor in Tyre.

In the meanwhile, life goes on.

60 AUB alumni are gathering under one roof to clink champagne glasses at midnight.

“My friends and I are renting a villa in Anfeh and throwing a house party. Were about 60 so it’s a party.” - Rami Haddad told Annahar.

Lebanese living abroad are rekindling old Beirut nightlife flames.

“I’m going to a backstage table at AHM with my friends. A lot of them are here for the holidays from abroad.” Dimitri Bechara, an internal auditor, told Annahar.

Some are spending the New Year suspended in air.

“I’m spending New Year’s 42,000 feet above the ground. I will land in Paris on the first, starting the New Year with new scenery.” Dayana Nourelddine told Annahar.

Others aren’t wasting a minute getting ahead on New Year resolutions.

“I don’t want to start my new year with a hangover and a heavy head. New Year, new me! My midnight kiss is with my dumbbells at the gym.” Farid Khoury told Annahar.

A painter expressed to Annahar that art doesn’t take a break.

“Canvas, fresh paint, and a kiss for my new painting. I’m spending New Year’s doing what I love the most, painting,” said visual artist and painter, Mira Choukeir.

One Uber driver is dedicating his night to make sure no party plans end with a crash.

“Someone has to do it; there are a lot of drunk drivers and dangers on New Year’s Eve. So I’m spending my night making sure partygoers get home safely.”

No matter what your preference - we leave you with this thought: Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one....”