Full disclaimer – I am not here to rain on your parade so continue reading please. Probably because I hail from Ghana, several times I’ve been asked about “Detty December” especially from non-African friends and acquaintances. In all honesty, I hadn’t even heard of the term until last Christmas when a friend broke it all down for me because she’s an invested “Detty December” celebrant. She explained in layman’s terms to me that “Detty December” was like being on the Las Vegas strip. I then did an online search for it and social media definitely did not disappoint – it had a lot of snippets and information about it. Well, it sure is a party isn’t it? Listen, I’ve been to Vegas for a friend’s wedding but the images I saw for “Detty December” in Ghana were over and above what Vegas or Miami will do.
I always remember growing up in Ghana that the Christmas season is the real deal. We had loads of activities, events, parties, new clothes, goodies, you just name it. I don’t think we had “Detty December” though. Maybe I was just too sheltered to notice it back then. I didn’t get to let my hair lose and sell my royal oats or dance with strangers till morning. I proceeded to speak with some folks in the homeland about this Christmas and it’s a split view. Some like “Detty December” and others do not because they feel the hype about it makes things unaffordable for the average person. Then of course we have the majority who feel the moral decadence is on the high during “Detty December” and they don’t want to have any part of it.
Whatever your take is on “Detty December” I think it depends on which side of the coin you sit when we toss it. Your lifestyle choices definitely impacts your participation in certain things but I don’t think December has to be “Detty” for you to have a jolly good time, especially in Ghana. Most visitors have saved their money all year to come and throw it around, you don’t need to jump on their bandwagon. Decency is to be cherished too and I hope that our younger generation value their health and safety more than a few days of partying into oblivion. Wisdom is very profitable in today’s world and it will always guide and preserve you.
I pray for your safety and security that you’ll make your December purer and not dirty.
XOXO,
Lady Abena.