Detty December is creeping up again, and you know what that means: flights are booking up, WhatsApp groups are forming, and your entire salary is already crying small tears because you have mentally spent it on outfits, concerts, and food you don’t need but will definitely buy anyway. Every year, we say we’ll be “calm,” and every year, by December 10th, we’re outside, we know you.

But because we at Unruly actually care about your future (and your liver), we’ve created a rule book to help you detty responsibly. Let’s get into the dos and don’ts for having your best, wild-but-wise Detty December.

PRE-DECEMBER: THE CALM BEFORE THE CHAOS

DO plan your outfits early.

December is not the time to be looking for the right outfit while your Uber is downstairs. Pick your fits, steam them, test-wear them, and make sure everything zips. Because nothing hurts like finding out your “concert jeans” no longer respect you.

DON’T pretend you’re richer than you are.

December will always expose the proud. You know your account balance; December knows it too. Create a budget, no matter how little, and stick to it. You can’t detty if you’re broke by the 18th.

DO secure your events ahead of time.

Concerts sell out. That event may become invite-only. That one rave your crush is attending? If you snooze, you lose. Research your events like it’s exam prep. Compare prices. Check last year’s reviews. Curate your line-up so you don’t end up at a dead party asking yourself why you didn’t just stay home and boil noodles.

DON’T forget your body is not in beta version.

Hydrate. Take your vitamins. Do small stretches. Build stamina. December outside is not for the weak. You’ll dance, jump, scream lyrics, and still have to walk to the car park because security blocked the gate. Prep your physical and mental battery early.

DURING DETTY DECEMBER: OUTSIDE IS NOT FOR THE FAINT

DO pace yourself.

You’re not a transformer. You cannot do brunch at 2, beach at 5, concert at 8, and after-party till 4 am every single day. You will faint. Pick your battles. Prioritise top-tier events. Rest where necessary. Sleep is not the enemy; burnout is.

DON’T force vibes.

If you walk into a party and the energy is off, LEAVE. Detty December has too many options for you to be standing inside one warehouse-turned-club listening to a DJ that hates transitions. Choose peace.

DO dress for the weather AND the venue.

Outdoor event? Carry a hand fan. Indoor rave? Dress light. Don’t wear suede shoes to the beach. Don’t wear thick denim to a concert. Don’t wear heels anywhere without guaranteed seating. Choose comfort in style.

DON’T embarrass your online presence.

It’s all fun and games until someone goes viral for the wrong reason. Before you post that blurry video, ask yourself: “Do I look like I have sense in this clip?” Also, don’t upload 98 stories from one event. You’re spoiling your followers’ battery health.

DO protect your bag—literally and figuratively.

Hold your phone tight. Hold your cup tighter. December is peak pickpocket season. Also, don’t be the person buying expensive items at a venue just to impress strangers. Impress your future self with savings.

DON’T ghost without telling someone where you’re going.

Let someone know where you’re headed, share your location if possible, and keep your phone charged. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and be ready to leave if things go south.

THE FINAL RULE

Detty December is supposed to be fun, not a competitive sport. Go outside if you want. Stay home if you want. Spend small money. Spend no money. Dance. Sleep. Repeat. Whatever you do, do it with sense, and remember that January exists.