(Strip Number 531, Original Publication Date, 31 December 1983)
Panel 1: We find the Pattersons watching Dick Clark's New Years' Rocking Eve With Ryan Seacrest; as the ball drops, John tells the kids that this is it and at midnight, Mike cheers. Lizzie (of course) sits there not knowing what is going on in her immediate vicinity.
Panel 2: John tells Lizzie that it's 2013....a whole brand entire NEW year.
Panel 3: Lizzie looks out the window and asks where the new year is 'cause she doesn't see anyfing. John reacts to her thinking like a three-year old by looking as if he'd been gaffed.
Summary: My guess is that this inexpert attempt to state that the Pattersons are actually living in the present day will be used as fodder for snotty letters and notes from stupid people about how history might actually change.