Remember how it felt to have monstrous Hurricane Irma heading straight for us, and turning at the last minute? That rollercoaster of fear, relief and gratitude – followed by a sweaty, frustrating week without power – is a feeling none of us will forget anytime soon.

Other parts of the Caribbean and Florida weren’t so lucky. Irma slammed Barbuda and Anguilla, tore through the Florida Keys, turned again and hit the Gulf Coast. Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Maria crushed Dominica and Puerto Rico, missing us but leaving our hearts hurting for our friends in the Caribbean. South Florida mobilized to help, running supply drives, donating money, and volunteering all over the region.

The rebuilding will take years in some of these spots. Meanwhile, we’re thinking about how we can be better prepared, in case we don’t get so lucky next time.

Just because you’re sticking around the 305 for the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t live it up. We DO live where the rest of the U.S. vacations, after all. Let us know how you’ll be making the most of the holiday here, and peep what some others are planning to do.

If you’re looking for some inspo, you can find our neighborhood guides here, info on the best bike paths here, best spots for live jazz here, and deets on Miami’s only board game cafe – perfect for a lazy afternoon – here.

Ups and downs. In 2017, the average price of a one-bedroom apartment in Miami and Miami Beach dropped, but in Homestead it soared a crazy 15.1 percent. Plus, here’s what happened with 16 other SoFlo municipalities. (Curbed)

*So* Miami. What do Jews and Caribbean immigrants to the U.S. have in common? A love-hate relationship with Manischewitz, the super sweet kosher wine that’s on every seder table during Passover. It’s a crucial part of Caribbean holiday celebrations, too. “It’s the immigrant’s fine wine,” says local Carla Hill, whose family is from Trinidad. (WLRN)

Sign me up. Florida had more Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) enrollments than any other state this year, once again – 1.7 million Floridians signed up. And that number will probably go up, because Florida has an extension until Dec. 31 because of Hurricane Irma.  (Miami Herald)

SMH. Miami-Dade County created the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in 2007 to subsidize the construction of affordable housing. Ten years later, the fund has only $5.7 million and none of it has been spent. Commissioners swear they’re going to do better going forward, and that new laws will help funnel more money into the fund. (Miami Herald)

Arroz con mango. If you grew up watching ¿Que Pasa, USA?, you were probably super excited when you heard about the remake at the Arsht Center next year. But if you’re hoping to be reunited with Juana and Pepe, you’re SOL. None of the old cast is part of the remake, and they say they’ve been left out of the Que Pasa love for decades. (Miami Herald)

Hot spots. This is where you spent most of your time in 2017, according to Lyft pick-up and drop-off data. Bodega and American Social are among the local faves. (Sun-Sentinel)

Keep your eye on NoMi. North Miami’s first brewery hasn’t even opened yet, but another is already on its way. That’s thanks to the city’s efforts to lure breweries to the area to revitalize the neighborhood. Say “hey” to Lost City Brewing Company, whose owners created an award-winning flan milk stout. Mmmm. (Miami New Times)

THAT’S ALL FOR 2017!

If you’re still scrambling for last-minute Christmas gifts, this guide from Prism on where to buy local gifts will be a lifesaver. Plus, here’s a holiday playlist from two Miami Herald reporters to make your holidays extra happy.

We’ll see you bright and early on Jan. 2.  😘