Tens of thousands braved the rain in New York's Times Square, eagerly counting down to 2025 in one of the world's most iconic New Year celebrations. The crowd, diverse and hopeful, reflected a tapestry of aspirations for the year ahead: some wished for better work-life balance, others dreamed of new cars or homes, and many voiced a deeper yearning for peace, calling for an end to conflicts and a return to global harmony. As the ball dropped, the shared hope for a brighter future united the spirited revelers under the glowing lights of Times Square.