Looking back at the year that was doesn't generate tremendous optimism about 2009 - in the city, nation or world.
For many, 2008 could not end a moment too soon. It was certainly one for the record books that will be difficult to forget.
It was also a year of historic milestones capped by the election of Barack Obama as the country's first black president and a staggering financial slump not seen since the Great Depression.
The economic crisis left marks on virtually every segment of our lives - from Wall Street to Main Street - with no sign of better days in the immediate horizon.
More important, the financial meltdown drastically changed how people lived. They lost their jobs, their homes, and, in too many cases, their life savings.
From pension funds to 401(k) plans, finances nose-dived. Belts were tightened and retirements postponed as balances plummeted.
The housing market collapsed along with the mortgage industry as homeowners unable to make payments were forced into foreclosure.
While Congress quickly opened up the government checkbook to give banks a $700 billion bailout, the troubled auto industry had to wait longer for a last-minute $17.4 billion rescue package from President Bush for Chrysler and General Motors.
Job losses continue to mount - to the tune of 1.2 million, as companies went out of business or tried to stay afloat by slashing expenses. The deepening recession has made it harder to find new jobs, with 4.5 million people out of work.
For the first time, gas prices around the country skyrocketed to more than $4 a gallon, only to drop recently to five-year lows.
Things have not been much better closer to home. Tough times have changed everyday life in Philadelphia, and things could get worse in the city with drastic cuts promised by Mayor Nutter to address a projected $1 billion, five-year budget deficit.
The rest of Pennsylvania and New Jersey are also struggling with financial woes.
Indeed, most would agree that 2008 was a rough year, and it was almost all about the economy. The good news is that it's finally over - and therein lies the hope for the future and better days.
America has weathered tough times before - from the stock market crash ushering in the Depression to 9/11 - and there's every reason to believe that the current crisis will be no exception.
But it will take time and patience. Just consider the challenges ahead and temper any overexuberance with the realities facing this country and the world in 2009.
The country has a capable leader-in-waiting in Barack Obama, who brings the promise of change in how Washington governs. Things will get better, but don't expect it to happen overnight.
So say goodbye to 2008 - and welcome, 2009.