December is undoubtedly, as they say, the most wonderful time of the year. It’s also kind of strange. It’s an unavoidable ending and anyone who knows me can attest my (sometimes extreme) sentimentality. Sifting through all the events of the past month to make a coherent blog post has been quite the task; a lot has happened.

What’s made this December and ultimately this entire holiday season a standout is how much I’ve appreciated seeing a horde of friends and family. Now, your cliché gage may have spiked reading that, but it’s true. I’ve never been so self-aware.

A big chunk of my time the past few weeks has been spent playing host. I’m growing to love it. Having a bomb-ass apartment sure does help, but it’s an anxious and contented feeling bringing people together; maybe more importantly right now, bringing people together in Detroit.

Childhood friends, high school friends, one of my best friends who I would love nothing more than to persuade him back to Michigan, fellow fellows, new Detroit friends, sorority sisters, college besties who have become family, a borderline ornery father (it depends on the day) who needs sufficient amounts of food that is terrible for him at all times, hell my mom’s friends – even strangers – have all rolled through Detroit to come and pay me a visit. I encourage this on all accounts.

One day I’ll convince him to come back to Michigan.

I’ll admit however, I feel a lot of pressure playing hostess. While anyone in the role certainly does – we all want to feel validated as a great human to spend time with – it’s more about proving the life I’m living in Detroit is a worthy one. One you too could have.
Now, I operate under no such self-importance that I alone have sway over someone’s encompassing opinion of a geographical location. The power I do have as host is to prove to guests Detroit is a real place people really spend their time and money and live their lives. Detroit isn’t a myth.

All about those candids.

But I recognize the importance of showing them “the cool spots,” “the trendy spots,” “the easily digestible spots,” the spots I might get judged for actually liking too, because if my guests aren’t having fun they most likely won’t blame it on me. I’m not the easy target here. People are quick to blame Detroit for everything, even when it isn’t warranted. Coming to my party or seeing my new apartment might be the only time some people ever make a stop in the city. I had one partygoer tell me, “You know I have literally never thought of coming to Detroit to do anything.”

I’ve known these people since middle school: if they love you amidst that cluster, they’ll always love you.

So I do revel in my position as mini-ambassador to those I know and are continuing to meet, but I also make sure to take care. I’m going to do my best Detroit, to do you justice.

Happy Holidays from my humble abode!