The perfect time to experience Philly, is during the holidays, whether you are a resident, tourist, or someone returning home.

I never thought I'd miss my hometown, once I moved to New York, but I experienced the opposite. I learned to appreciate where I grew up, and I tend to miss the traditions and general angry demeanor of the city. At least, most of it.

Keep reading for your guide to a Philly New Year's.

Plan to visit a Grandma

They don't have to be yours. They will have cookies. Most grandma's, especially in South Philly, prepare to have their tired families over after the previous night's festivities, and with the New Year's Day parade in the morning; there will be a feast.

Take a walk

Because let's face it--the bus isn't coming on time. And the subways will be a madhouse.

Soak up the scenery

Expect plenty of stragglers from the Mummers parade on New Year's day.

See the true Philly

All jokes aside, the racism of the Mummers parade is not something to celebrate. Not all participants appropriate or poke fun at different cultures, but such a large portion does. It gives what could otherwise be a fabulous celebration, a bad rep.

This says a lot about those who don't see a problem with it and allow the parade to continue in the same racist manner it has been since the beginning of Mummer history.

I'm sure pointing this out will offend many Philadelphians, but this isn't defend-able.

Avoid the pretzel carts

If you do find yourself on Broad street before, during, or after the parade, resist buying pretzels from those selling them out of shopping carts. Perhaps this is a generalization, but I've witnessed too many "vendors" relieving themselves on walls and selling pretzels in the same five minutes. No, they didn't wash their hands.

Let loose

Laws might not be changed on paper, but on New Year's, there seems to be an exemption to public drinking. Last year, I witnessed someone drink from a large liquor bottle, in front of police. Needless to say, if you want a beer as you watch fireworks at the end of the night, don't sweat it.

But Watch Your Step

This is what the streets will look like on your way home after the partying has ended.

Be careful

It might be "The City of Brotherly Love" but just take a look at what they did to HitchBOT, who made it from Canada to Germany, Switzerland, and parts of the U.S. before its demise in Philly.

I have a love-hate relationship with my twisted hometown; just like any other city, Philly has its pros and cons. Because I was a resident for over eighteen years, I'm allowed to knock it, especially if it's in efforts to keep it in check.