Candy Cane Energy and Chronic Pain

December has its own kind of sparkle. Lights on every corner, music in every store, peppermint mochas calling my name. It’s like the world turns into one big Christmas card. Everyone’s jingling bells, and I’m over here creaking like one.

Because here’s the truth, nobody puts on the Hallmark channel: holiday energy and chronic pain do not mix like sugar and spice. They collide. My head says, “Yes! Let’s go to the parade, the cookie swap, the candlelight service, the shopping trip, and while we’re at it, let’s deck every hall from here to Savannah.” Meanwhile, my body is like, “Girl, sit down before you pass out in the tinsel aisle.”

Chronic pain doesn’t care that it’s Christmas. It doesn’t take a holiday break. It doesn’t look at my calendar and say, “Aw, she’s got a full week of holiday plans, let’s give her a pass.” Nope. It shows up uninvited, like that one kid who always takes the last slice of pie.

A pretty white and blue floral mug with candy canes hanging off of it

And let’s not forget fatigue, the sneaky sidekick of chronic pain. The world is buzzing on candy canes and caffeine, while I’m sipping my sugar cookie iced latte like it’s liquid survival, knowing full well I’ll pay for every event I say “yes” to. It’s not fair, but it’s real. Some days I feel like I’ve been wrapped up in twinkle lights that are just a little too tight. Festive, but uncomfortable.

But here’s the thing: Laylay will do anything for her kids. The pain might slow me down, but it won’t stop me from showing up for the programs, the tree lightings, and yes, even waiting in those long Santa lines. Okay, maybe not smiling the whole time, but showing up with my sass intact counts, right? Those memories are worth every ache.

Still, I’ve learned to roll with it. I pace myself. I plan rest days like other people plan shopping trips. I say no when I need to, even when I want to say yes. And I remind myself that Christmas isn’t about how many events I attend or how many lights I hang. It’s about the people I share it with, the memories we make, and the grace to laugh even when my body feels like it’s made of candy canes. Sweet, but one stiff bend away from snapping.

And here’s the secret: slowing down sometimes makes the season sweeter. The quiet nights with soft lights glowing, the conversations that don’t get rushed, the chance to really taste that sugar cookie latte instead of chugging it on the go, that’s where I find the good stuff.

So if you see me this December, sugar cookie iced latte in hand, sparkle a little dimmer than usual, just know this. I’m still showing up, chronic pain and all. I may not keep up with the candy cane energy of the season, but I’ll always bring the sass, the gratitude, and the reminder that the best gift isn’t found under the tree. It’s found in learning how to keep shining, even when it hurts.

Because let’s be real… glitter shows up best in the dark.

#CandyCaneEnergy #ChronicPainChronicles #SurvivingWithSass #CoastalGeorgiaStrong