Between the roll call of celebrity deaths, the stunning US election and Brexit results and the scores of headlines about asylum seekers, the environment and threats of Islamic State-inspired attacks on central Melbourne, it's no wonder many people are looking forward to the end of 2016.
For many, this New Year's Eve just doesn't have the same excitement factor, given the 365 days that have gone before it.
So if you're looking for a somewhat chilled way to spend the big night in Melbourne, here are some ideas:
Watch a movie
Why not pass a couple of hours in the death throes of the year that can't end soon enough in a movie theatre? The recently renovated Hoyts Chadstone still has tickets to some sessions, while Village also has tickets to several screenings on Saturday night. And given it's New Year's Eve, why not treat yourself to a premium ticket (or at least a fancier Choc-top)?
Palace Cinemas has screenings of Lion with a bonus glass of Prosecco on offer, while The Astor in Prahran has a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Go for a fancy dinner
You know that local you love but haven't visited for a while? Book it. Staying close to home on New Year's Eve means you will be supporting a small business that is probably paying penalty rates to its staff and could use the patronage, plus many places put on extra touches for the December 31 crowd. And best of all, when it's all over, you don't have to fight for a cab.
For those seeking something a little more spectacular, The Atlantic at Crown, Sake Flinders Lane and Seamstress are still showing tables for some sittings, according to restaurant booking engine Dimmi.
For special events, Bar Lourinha, Milk the Cow and the Park Hyatt all still had availability during the week.
Drink the minibar dry and watch in-house movies
An expensive, but not impossible, option if you'd prefer to wake up in someone else's bed on New Year's Day without having to tidy the room. Plus, if you're lucky you may score a view of the fireworks.
As of midweek, the Sofitel on Collins still had rooms for $595, through Expedia, while the brand-new QT Melbourne was selling suites for $550.
Want to head out of town for the night? A handful of properties in the Yarra Valley have vacancies – a much safer bet than the Mornington Peninsula, which appears to be solidly booked.
Throw an impromptu dinner party
If your favourite restaurant is closed or booked out, why not invite some friends over and cook a meal from a country you plan or hope to visit in 2017. Get everyone to bring a list of five things they hope to achieve in the coming year and either share them on the night or keep the envelopes until your next Christmas gathering and see who has fulfilled their dreams.
If you need supplies at the last minute, Queen Victoria Market is open from 6am-3pm on New Year's Eve, while South Melbourne Market trades from 6am-4pm and Prahran Market from 7am-5pm.
Channel your chakras
If you'd like to spend the last few hours of the year on a spiritual journey, rather than an alcoholic one, Jarek Czechowicz is holding a chanting and meditation evening in Hawthorn (tickets required).
Get a head start on your New Year's resolution
Why wait until January 1 to start that health kick, writing that book or spending more time with your loved ones. Anything you can do on December 31 will give you a little momentum to carry into the new year.
And there's no better feeling than the smugness of going for a workout on New Year's morning when everyone else is nursing a hangover. Namaste.
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