I walked into the sitting room, brushing snow off my overcoat, shivering with the bitter cold.
"It should be a crime to call a Doctor out on Christmas Eve," Holmes murmured, taking my coat and propelling me toward the cozy fire.
"Illness doesn't wait for the holiday season to be over with, unfortunately," I replied, relaxing in the warmth.
I had just begun to warm up when Mrs. Hudson entered bearing a tea-tray, for which I was devoutly grateful. She also held a few Christmas cards and a small package, which she handed to my friend.
After the door closed, he examined it, detaching the small card affixed to the top. A smile creased his face and he handed it to me.
"Mery Christmus, from the Irreglars. Thought yew mite be able to use it somehowe." I read aloud, chuckling. "What is it?"
"Probably something Wiggins nicked, if I had to guess," Holmes grinned, opening the package.
He gave a little peal of laughter and handed the box to me. I peeked inside and then stared at my companion.
"Persian slippers?" I asked incredulously.
"No, Watson. One slipper," he chuckled, pulling the item out of the box.
"What??"
"Now what can I use this for…"
I am sure our boys had no idea what a trademark that item was to become.