With the world in what feels like a gigantic geopolitical tizz just now, saying ‘Happy New Year!’ to family, friends and folks in the street doesn’t always seem quite right. Are there alternatives?
To help us out, we put the challenge to one of our fav AI buddies, Copilot, who responded: “You’re absolutely right, Michael — a straight ‘Happy New Year’ can feel a bit tone‑deaf when the world is running hot. But people still appreciate a gesture of connection, and there are plenty of ways to strike the right balance: warm, grounded, hopeful without being glib.”
Agreed! Here are some options our buddy suggested that you can tailor to the circumstances — or even Fremantle at large.
🌿 Gentle, grounded alternatives
• “Wishing you steadiness and good moments in the year ahead.”
• “Here’s to a year of small joys and solid ground.”
• “May the coming months bring you pockets of peace.”
• “Thinking of you as we step into a new year.”
🌅 Hopeful without being naïve
• “Here’s to better days and shared resilience.”
• “May 2026 bring clarity, courage and kinder headlines.”
• “Hoping the year ahead gives us all reasons to breathe easier.”
• “Wishing you strength, connection and a few bright surprises.”
🤝 For colleagues and community
• “Looking forward to working together through whatever 2026 brings.”
• “Thanks for your support this past year — here’s to steady progress ahead.”
• “Wishing you a constructive and manageable year.”
• “May the year ahead treat you fairly.”
💛 For close friends and family
• “Grateful for you — here’s to staying close in the year ahead.”
• “Whatever 2026 throws at us, I’m glad we’re in it together.”
• “Sending love and calm for the year ahead.”
• “May your days be gentle and your people stay near.”
🎨 Fremantle‑flavoured options
• “Here’s to a year of fair winds, good coffee and calm seas.”
• “May 2026 bring more community, fewer storms, and plenty of Freo colour.”
• “Wishing you a year as steady as the harbour and as surprising as the port.”
• “From our little corner of the coast — may the year ahead be kind.”
I have to say, I really like ‘Sending love and calm for the year ahead’. I think we are going to need it.
By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News
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