Don't know about other parts of the world, but new year celebration here in the Philippines have turned dangerous over the years.

We have this penchant on celebrating the new year with fireworks and firecrackers. No other way seem not so-new year. The brave ones (not me!) usually end up in the hospital with missing Extremities (e.g.fingers and toes) because they apparently have held onto the firecracker a little bit longer.

The hospitals in Manila (the Philippines' capital) are usually swarmed with explosive/firecraker related injuries (sometimes death) as early as the 30th of December.

However much I like new year celebrations, I hate the firecrakers. (I'd rather watch a distant fireworks display!). I've always steered clear of this stuff much less touch or light one myself.

There are always safer alternatives to celebrating new year with a big BANG.

Don't know 'bout your new year celebration, but whatever you do, BE SAFE. Welcoming the new year is not so great if you end up in the hospital emergency room.

Photo Credit: CNN]