I always know the holidays are near when my social agenda is more packed than my carry-on bag. With so many great causes and special occasions to mark, it’s hard to say “no”–so, I try not to. In the name of journalism (of course), and alongside JEZEBEL’s thankfully outgoing editorial team, I sipped, sashayed, socialized, bid on auction items, chatted it up with celebs, made new friends and honored the fabulous city we call home. Inside this holiday issue, more than ever before, you’ll find an exclusive pictorial tour of JEZ-associated events, experiences and involvements.

This month was especially jam-packed. First, we raised the roof at Mezzo. With JEZ as its host, this Peachtree Road luxe residential rental tower attracted hundreds of the city’s finest to mix, mingle and tour the recently opened space. If you’re looking for new digs without the obligations of homeownership, look no further than this chic spot. Next, we headed down Peachtree Road to help make wishes come true for children at the annual Make-A-Wish gala held at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead, and later supported victims of domestic violence by way of Jaden’s Ladder hosted by the always fabulous Nicole and Andruw Jones. JEZEBEL was proud to serve as the print media sponsor to these amazing events. To give sure is to receive!

And, yes, that loud, disbelieving “what?!” you heard was true. Ne-Yo, along with Jon McLaughlin both performed live at our 12th anniversary party, which also featured the mag’s Most Beautiful Atlantans. And what a bash it was! The night started with TV reporters lining up alongside the city’s finest photographers to grab a first glance at the beautiful citizens who strutted into the party, which helped us celebrate a truly joyous occasion. With cuisine from Atlanta’s best restaurants and free-flowing drinks, all had an amazing time ... even before Jon McLaughlin and Ne-Yo rocked the house. Charismatic and smooth, what charmers these boys are! Thank you to everyone in attendance who helped make the party what it was–absolutely fabulous! Whether or not you were able to make it to the gala, it is thanks to all of you that we have celebrated 12 years in Atlanta. And, I must give special thanks to Bert Weiss of All The Hits Q100, who co-hosted the event with me.

In the spirit of celebrations, we also put together a gift guide like no other to help you with your holiday shopping. Naturally, we shopped and shopped until we uncovered really outstanding items. Though some are total splurges and others are budget-minded, they all have one thing in common: our stamp of “coolness” approval! As does this month’s cover model, Eric Dane. What can I say? He’s even more of babe than the on-screen hunky doctor he plays on Grey’s Anatomy. A real down-to-earth guy, I truly enjoyed our exclusive one-on-one, just in time for his highly anticipated holiday movie Marley & Me, in which he co-stars. Don’t miss the entertaining interview inside.

With 2009 rearing its head, here’s to another year of shining stars and good times for good causes! Happy holidays to you and yours from the team at JEZEBEL.