The challenges faced during 2020 won't end at midnight.
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Whatever this unusual period of fires, floods, pandemic and border closures has brought, the calendar itself really can't be blamed.
So tonight as we celebrate, reflect upon or simply ignore the new year, remember that coronavirus and Mother Nature aren't aware of this hoped-for fresh start.
Thankfully our region is not in the grip of a fire emergency, unlike 12 months ago, although the trauma experienced then is still raw for many.
And the COVID-19 situation remains steady in the Border and North East, however nervously we're watching Sydney just now.
But the clocks ticking over into 2021 will not directly affect what happens next.
What that will be, of course, none of us know.
One lesson of 2020 has been to assume nothing.
Lockdown orders, remote learning, border permits; all became reality over tumultuous months.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Everyone has been impacted in some way, with the North East's long-suffering year 12 students only receiving their results on Wednesday.
Catholic College Wodonga dux Sara Williams admitted it had been a tough year but felt proud of what had been achieved.
"Our class and teachers pulled together and got there in the end," she said.
The restrictions had unintended but significant repercussions in communities trying to recover from last summer's fires.
No one would blame him for expressing frustration, yet he notes the need to stay patient and respectful.
"You just got to stay positive and do it better than before," he said.
Promoting optimism and perseverance - not bad advice for any of us, really.
So while the stroke of midnight will change nothing, in one way, we might see it as a chance to reset the things we can control.
Things like attitude, perspective, empathy and a readiness to face anything life throws at us.
We needed those this year and, whatever else is unknown, we can be sure they'll be useful from tomorrow too.
