Christmas is a magical time of the year…so much to see and do…so little time. Add to that the fact that this year, you only have one foot on which to do it all and Christmas becomes a bit of a nightmare. How will you do it? Here are a few tips to help you survive and even enjoy the holiday season despite your injury.
Tip #1: Scale Back
You say you’re going to do it every year, and yet you never do. This year it’s the time to actually do it. Everyone will understand if your house isn’t decorated to the hilt. Your family will understand if you want to skip a few parties to rest. And your friends will know why they are getting gift cards instead of a carefully chosen gift. You might even find that doing less allows you to enjoy more!
Tip #2: Ask for Help
There’s nothing wrong with asking for a little help, especially during the holiday season. If you need help decorating, running errands, or getting around in the cold and snow, just ask! People are in a very giving spirit this time of year and they will likely welcome your requests with open arms. You simply can’t do it all on one foot so ask for help and do what you can!
Tip #3: Look into Alternatives to Crutches
In order to enjoy as much mobility as possible during Christmas and the duration of your recovery, consult a company such as KneeRover® and see what options there are that can help you get off those crutches and onto a device that will help you get around with more comfort and ease. The Seated Scooter is ideal for snow and ice because you can sit and scoot yourself around ensuring that you will never slip and fall. The Steerable Knee Scooter is also very stable and allows you to kneel, scoot and “move free” while you keep your bad leg up and elevated. Another product, the iWALK3.0 Hands Free Crutch, helps you to retain the use of both hands at all times while you get around. Think about how each of the three options works and choose what would be best for your needs.
Tip #4: Schedule Rest
It’s easy to get into the family celebrations and parties and forget about what your recovery needs are. It is important, however, to make sure you get the rest you need in order to keep your healing on track. Once you know how much rest you need, be sure that you get it no matter what else is going on.
Tip #5: Don’t Overdo it
It’s easy to overdo it on Christmas, even with two feet under you. When you’re on just one, that task is even easier. Listen to your body carefully and make sure you only do what you really feel you can do. You don’t want to spend more time recovering because you overexerted yourself during the holidays.
Tip #6: Invite and Decline
If it’s easier for you to host than to attend parties this year, invite the people you really want to see over and decline other invitations. It’s okay to skip a few things and do other things differently this year. You can go back to doing it all next year!
Tip #7: Put Recovery Items on your Gift List
There are a number of things you might want to add to your list to help you get through Christmas and the rest of your recovery. CastCoverz! cast and walking boot covers will not only keep your toes warm and dry this winter, but you’ll also be giving your orthopedic device lots of personality! Be sure to check out CastCoverz! CrutchWear crutch covers for comfort and convenience, too! The shower stool can help you enjoy your showers again. If you’re a hard-to-buy-for person, these items that you really want and need are great ideas.
Looking for more helpful hints on day-to-day survival while you heal? Check out Cooking while Injured and Doing Household Chores While Injured. With these tips, you will not only survive Christmas but also enjoy it with a joyful spirit!
To keep your hand and fingers, cast, splint, or brace warm AND dry, try layering the Mittz! Cozy cold weather cast protector under the Mittz! Dry wet weather cast protector! For other 
Whether you’re planning to camp out in your backyard (or BEYOND), there’s a few other items you’ll want to bring along to ensure your cast stays warm, dry, clean & protected:
