Christmas Eve, But Make It… Orthopedic 🎄

This year, Christmas Eve looked a little different in the Sneakers and Stilettos household.

No heels.

No last-minute Target run.

No frantic wrapping paper rage.

Instead?

I spent Christmas Eve decorating my cast, dressing up my dogs, and singing Christmas carols while mildly sedated—which, honestly, might be my most authentic holiday yet.

Let’s start with the cast.

Some people hang stockings.

I accessorized fiberglass.

If I’m going to be immobile, medicated, and horizontal, the least I can do is give this cast a personality. A little sparkle. A festive flair. Think Pinterest meets Orthopedics. Stickers. Marker doodles. Holiday vibes. Because if this thing is coming everywhere with me, it might as well be dressed for the occasion.

Then there were the dogs.

Orion and Oliver did not ask for this.

They did not consent to this.

But they did look incredible.

Tiny sweaters. Maximum judgment. The kind of side-eye that says, “We used to respect you.” But they stayed close anyway—curled up next to me like emotional support elves—because that’s what unconditional love looks like when you’re wrapped in fur and mildly concerned.

And then… the carols.

Ah yes. The carols.

Somewhere between “Silent Night” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” the painkillers kicked in and I became the main character in a Hallmark movie nobody asked for. Lyrics were improvised. Notes were optional. Emotion was… abundant.

Was I on key?

Absolutely not.

Was I committed?

With my whole soul.

At one point, I cried during a commercial. At another, I told my dogs how proud I was of them. By the end of the night, I was convinced this was the best Christmas Eve I’ve ever had—which may or may not still be true, but I stand by the feeling.

Because here’s the thing:

This wasn’t the Christmas I planned.

But it was the Christmas I had.

And somehow, between the cast decorations, the overdressed dogs, and the off-key caroling, it still felt… full. Soft. Real. A little ridiculous. A lot human.

This is Sneakers and Stilettos in real time—sometimes stilettos, sometimes sneakers, sometimes a hospital-issued boot wrapped in tinsel and hope.

So if your Christmas Eve didn’t look like the movies—if it looked more like survival with a side of humor—welcome to the club.

We sing anyway.

We decorate what we can.

We love who’s close.

And sometimes, we let the painkillers carry the tune. 🎶💊🎄

Merry Christmas from me, my cast, and two dogs who will absolutely never let me forget this.