Don't worry about Bulgarian soothsayer's scary prediction for 2025. We've plenty of reasons to celebrate

It’s been a grim old year. Conflict continued in Ukraine and the Middle East, parts of Scotland had their wettest ever summer and too many people died too soon, including Dave Myers, Steve Wright, Janey Godley, Liam Payne, Alex Salmond and Michael Mosley.

As we approach another Hogmanay, it’s with the familiar relief that the old year is over and the new one is fresh and full of possibilities.

Given the past 12 months, a little trepidation goes a long way. We’re about to find out what a second Donald Trump presidency means for the world and, if climate predictions are correct, we’re likely to see more extreme weather events like the floods that killed at least 200 people around Valencia.

Death and the other three Horsemen of the Apocalypse are unlikely to be on their way (Picture: Peter Macdiarmid) | Getty Images

For more detailed projections, I turned to Artificial Intelligence, which may well have taken over the world by this time next year... or perhaps not, judging by its ability to look ahead. “It's impossible to know for certain what will happen in the future, but time will continue to pass and the Earth will continue to revolve around the Sun” was the predictable answer when I asked it to predict next year’s events.

Bad news for influencers

So let’s concentrate on what we know and causes for optimism. In January, TikTok is due to be banned in the US. If that results in even one social media influencer having to get a proper job, it can only be a good thing.

In February, the Winter Olympics takes place in Italy and there’s no more life-affirming spectacle than watching someone else hurtling down the luge course on a tea tray at 150kph. Whatever happens next year, at least you’re not doing that in lycra bodysuit so tight, your varicose veins are on display.

In March, the Caribbean guilder is due to replace the Netherlands Antillean guilder as the currency for Curacao. Stand by for the shockwaves from that one.

And so on… you get the idea. The world turns, events happen and life continues, unless you are a follower of Bulgarian soothsayer Baba Vanga who predicts the end of days next year. However she also predicted nuclear war in 2010 and that Barack Obama would be the final American president so her credentials are a bit rusty.

Lower crime, better food

We’ve much to be positive about. Education and health outcomes are way ahead of where they were half a century ago and we live in a safe and free country. Despite public perceptions, key crimes like violence, burglary and car theft have been declining for 30 years and by close to 90 per cent.

We have access to greater food choices than ever before, technology is revolutionising our lives, making most things easier and allowing us to stay connected and access the world in a way our grandparents could not have imagined.

Of course, there are major challenges ahead but we should move into the New Year with optimism and enthusiasm. Despite everything, this is a great time to be alive. If you don’t believe me, just check the family tree to see what life was like for our ancestors.

We have opportunities like never before but what we do with them is up to us and that possibility is the essence of how and why we celebrate Hogmanay. When the time comes, Happy New Year.