How Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert Celebrated Christmas Amid Her Skull Surgery Recovery

Nearly two weeks after Derek Hough's wife Hayley Erbert underwent emergency skull surgery, the newlyweds celebrated Christmas—and their health—with a sweet kiss under the tree.

By Jamie Blynn Dec 26, 2023 1:54 PMTags
Watch: Hayley Erbert Hough Reflects on "Life Changing" 2023

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert are feeling merry and bright. 

Nearly two weeks after Hayley underwent emergency skull surgery, she and the Dancing With the Stars judge celebrated their first Christmas together as a married couple

"Cherishing the greatest gift of all. The precious gift of life and the love we share," they wrote in a joint Instagram. "Hold your loved ones close and treasure every moment."

And they're taking their own advice. In their snap, the newlyweds—who said "I do" in August—were seen sharing a sweet kiss while cuddled up under the tree. As they wrote, "Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!"

It's a moment they weren't sure they would get to share. After all, following their Dec. 6 Symphony of Dance tour performance in Washington, D.C., Hayley became disoriented and was taken to the hospital. There, she was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and, during surgery, part of her skull was removed to ease pressure on her brain.

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Derek Hough & Hayley Erbert: Romance Rewind

"While this isn't the holiday season either of us envisioned, it's one that we're incredibly grateful to have," Hough wrote on Instagram Dec. 15, while detailing the "life-threatening" moment that turned their worlds upside down. "We look forward to cherishing these moments with a deeper appreciation for life and the people in it."

Instagram/Derek Hough

successful follow-up surgery lifted their spirits even more.

"This surgery marks a significant milestone in my wife's recovery journey, and your support has played a crucial role in getting us here," the 38-year-old shared Dec. 21. "We are filled with hope and optimism for the future, knowing she is on the path to a full recovery, surrounded by such a loving community...We love you."

For more of that love, read on to see how all your favorite stars are ringing in the holiday season...

Mariah Carey

The self-proclaimed Queen of Christmas opened presents with her and ex Nick Cannon's 12-year-old daughter Monroe.

Miley Cyrus

Referencing her own song, the pop star quipped on Instagram, "It’s definitely a Nashville party."

Gabrielle Union & Dwyane Wade

The couple brought on the cheer through festive PJs, rocking them with kids Kaavia, 5, and Zaya, 16, on Christmas morning.

Vanessa Hudgens

You can bet on it that the High School Musical star's celebrations included her beloved dog Darla.

Kaley Cuoco & Tom Pelphrey

The Big Bang Theory alum and the Ozark actor celebrated their first Christmas as parents with 8-month-old daghter Matilda.

Tamar Braxton

Two months after their breakup, the "All the Way Home" artist and her Queens Court suitor Jeremy "JR" Robinson got engaged again on Christmas morning.

Brian Austin Green & Sharna Burgess

The kids are all here! The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum is joined by his and Vanessa Marcil's 21-year-old son Kassius—as well as his and Megan Fox's  kids Noah, 11, Bodhi, 9, and Journey, 7—for a family photo with the Dancing With the Stars pro and their 17-month-old son Zane.

Alicia Silverstone

"Just an elf on your shelf," the Clueless star wrote on Instagram. "Happy holidays!"

Billy Ray Cyrus & Firerose

No achy breaky hearts here as the singers celebrate their first Christmas as a married couple.

Courteney Cox

The Friends alum joked that she's on "good terms" with Santa.

Kelsea Ballerini & Chase Stokes

As the country singer wrote on Instagram, "merry chrysler."

Simone Biles & Jonathan Owens

We're flipping out over the gymnast and football player's first Christmas as a married couple.

Derek Hough & Hayley Erbert

Two weeks after she underwent emergency surgery, Hayley and the Dancing with the Stars judge husband celebrated their first Christmas together as a married couple.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The Goop founder spent Christmas morning with kids Apple, 19, and Moses, 15, who she shares with ex Chris Martin.

The Beckhams

Victoria Beckham and David Beckham appeared with three of their four kids—Cruz BeckhamHarper Beckham and Brooklyn Beckham—and daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz Beckham in a holiday pic the fashion designer shared Dec. 23.

Paris Hilton

The Paris in Love star took her and husband Carter Reum's 13-month-old son Phoenix to Disneyland on Christmas Eve.

Olivia Rodrigo

Christmas proved to be good 4 the singer, who rang in the holiday with Guts-themed ornaments. 

Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos

The daytime talk show co-hosts were feeling the "Big Nick Energy" on Christmas.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson & Justin Mikita

"Merry Christmas & happy holidays from the Mikita - Ferguson household," the Modern Family star captioned this sweet photo with their kids Beckett, 3, and Sullivan, 13 months.

Reese Witherspoon

The Oscar winner showed off her dinner table setting, writing on Instagram, "Merry Christmas from my family to Yours."

Ariana Grande & Frankie Grande

The brother-sister duo rang in Christmas with their mom Joan Grande.

Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt

No one else can feel the Christmas spirit for you—just ask the Hills couple and their sons Gunner, 6, and Ryker, 13 months.

John Travolta

The Grease alum went skiing with his kids Benjamin, 12, and Ella, 22.

John Stamos

"Merry Christmas everyone, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!" the Full House actor captioned this family photo with wife Caitlin McHugh Stamos and 5-month-old son Billy. "Let's remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies not just in celebration, but in reaching out, in understanding and in caring for each other. Here's to going back to the beginning - to love, kindness, and compassion."

Lily Collins & Charlie McDowell

The Emily in Paris star and her husband woke up on Christmas morning to isses from their dog. "Merry Christmas, everyone!" she wrote on Instagram. "From our lil family to yours."

Jana Kramer & Allan Russell

They got the boy for Christmas! The singer and her fiancé snuggled with their newborn son Roman.

Chrishell Stause & G Flip

The Selling Sunset star and the musician celebrated their first Christmas as a married couple in Australia.

Jessie James Decker & Eric Decker

The pregnant singer and her husband celebrated their "last Christmas as a family of 5" with their kids Vivianne, 9, Eric "Bubby" Jr., 8, and Forrest, 5, in matching PJs.

Kathy Griffin

It looks like the comedian made Santa's naughty list, captioning this photo from Jesse Tyler Ferguson's holiday bash: "Yes, I was THIS old gal at the kids Xmas party. I’M PROUD OF IT!!!" 

Heidi Klum & Tom Kaulitz

The supermodel and the Tokio Hotel rocker had Christmas at the beach.

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View More Photos From Holidays 2023: Celebs Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and More
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