Celebrating the New Year for the 5th time in the Netherlands

A storm of fireworks always heralds the beginning of the year in the Netherlands. For the past five years, our family has been celebrating the New Year in the Netherlands, but this year was the first time that my sons participated in lighting fireworks with the rest of our neighborhood. The sounds of firecrackers were loud and explosive, quite a huge contrast to the Joyano kane (除夜の鐘), that solemn and ceremonial ringing of the bells in every shrine and temple, symbolizing the beginning of the year in Japan.The New Year in the Netherlands begins with families lighting up firework in front of their houses. Thanks to all my family, I was able to welcome the 5th New Year in the Netherlands. Wishing you good health, happiness, and success in the coming year and always. Happy New Year from our family to yours.

New Year's fireworks view taken from our attic. I took shots of fireworks from our attic because it was too cold to go outside!

Here's the video of the New Year's fireworks edited by my second son.