I'm living in a war zone

Or, you would think so judging by the noise of all the fireworks people set off at night. Fireworks are only legal/available at this time of year (for New Year's Eve), so people are going crazy with them. Every night as soon as it gets dark the streets and skies are full of them, and from inside one's apartment it sounds like the city is under siege. I guess tonight will be worst of all, since it's actually New Year's Eve now... I'm going to a party at a coworker's apartment. It begins with the Queen's annual address to the nation at 6 pm, followed by dinner, etc. Then before midnight you stand on a chair, turn on the TV, watch the clock in town hall square, and, at the stroke of 12, jump down to the floor -- jumping into the new year.