How do you wish a Happy New Year to someone who has terminal cancer and only has a few months to live?

I had a friend who was given 6 months to live.
He made it 3 years.
Let her know you will always remember her.

^We had a nice chat tonight and I wished her a good night.

I’m sorry about your sister, @jonsblond. At this point, unless it’s wildly, inappropriately, callous, there’s not really much “wrong” you can say. Go ahead and say “Happy New Year”, and reminisce about other New Years together. As long as she’s aware of what’s happening with her illness, anything that makes her smile or chuckle is a good thing.
Try to avoid any scenario where she has to comfort you, that’s exhausting.

I wish for both of you peace.

I have no advice, just wanted to say that I’m sorry this is going on in your world.
Be sure to take care of yourself during this time.

New Year’s means almost nothing to me so I would have no problem not mentioning it in a conversation. Just speak as you normally would. I have a severely disabled nephew who is near death and I would not say anything about the new year when talking to my brother or other nephew. It’s not relevant.

You don’t Have to wish people that. No obligation at all. Talk about other things.

I am very sorry.

Everyone said good answers. I am just responding to say I am here if you want to talk, I will listen.

Thanks everyone. <3

I no longer say “Happy New Year!” to anyone unless they say it first to me.
Too many people are directly suffering, especially people in your sister’s situation.
And beyond that, the world itself is not on a good trajectory. We are barreling towards a cliff. All of us.
There is nothing inherently good about the passage of time.
When dealing with someone who is probably dying, I find it best to just ask “How are you? And I mean really how are you? You don’t have to sugarcoat anything. I really want to know.”

I do think the New Year’s song Auld Lang Syne (Old Long Since) is beautiful though:

We two have run about the hills,
and picked the daisies fine
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot
since auld lang syne.

I’m sorry your sister is going through that :(