Whether it’s a small gathering or just the two of you, there are loads of fun ways to celebrate the holidays with your pets this year. From photoshoots to cute dog-themed gifts, you can make this holiday season one to remember when you get your pet involved. Cats, dogs, and guinea pigs alike deserve some special treatment, and the holidays are the perfect opportunity to show them how much you really care.
Make a shareable meal
We all know how much our animals love food. Begging for scraps while we’re cooking or prowling beneath the table while we’re eating, our pets love to share our food. How can you say no to them with those adorable eyes? If you’re celebrating the holidays with your pets this year, consider making a dish everyone can eat. Some companies offer special holiday dinners for picky cats and cute dogs, or you can make it yourself. Choose safe, non-toxic ingredients for your animals and do your research before making the menu. Leftover turkey, potatoes, and pure canned pumpkin are all classics your animal can eat, so incorporate those ingredients into a little meal and celebrate the season together!
Surprise them with gifts!
We all love gifts, and your pets are no exception! Some new toys, special dog food, or the latest collar is a great way to ring in the holidays with your pet. Gift-giving is a tradition for many holidays across many cultures, so whether you’re celebrating Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, or any other holiday, you can make your pet a part of it. Not only is surprising your pets with gifts fun for them, but you’ll also be able to know you brought some joy into their lives by taking this extra step.
Go on a holiday light stroll
This one is fun for everyone. Your pet will be able to spend some time exercising off those holiday goodies, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful lights. Just be sure to bundle up and keep your pet warm if the weather is cold!
Do volunteering with your pet
Get in the holiday spirit by giving back to your community. That might mean bringing your dog along on volunteering or, if it’s trained, using it as a service animal to help people who need it. However you choose to get involved, you and your pet can feel proud of doing some good this holiday season.
Do an exclusive pet photoshoot
Alright, this one may be more for you, but you deserve it. Get some fun, holiday-themed costumes and do a mini photoshoot with your pet! You’ll get some pics that will always bring a smile to your face, and your pet will feel...hopefully special. We know how tough photos can be with a pet, so be sure to have treats on hand!
Give your pet some new fashion
From a cute Christmas dress or a brand new yarmulke, you can dress up your pet in adorable fashions to really drive the holiday spirit home. Or you can dress in some pet-inspired garb! Dressing your pet in some stylish fashion for this special season is a great way to bring joy into your life. But maybe don’t let it go on too long...we know most pets can’t stand being in their “formal attire” for more than a few minutes!
Decorate with a pet theme in mind
Get festive and make your home pet-themed! That might mean loads of Corgi paw prints and dog bones for dog lovers or hanging some feline ornaments on the tree to fuel your cat obsession. Whatever theme you decide to go with, make sure you think of your pets and what they like. After all, you’re the one who knows them best!
Put them in your holiday card
When you put your pet on a holiday card, it shows your friends, families, and coworkers just how much your cat, dog, or other pet means to you. Not only are they adorable, but having pets in a holiday card adds something new to the mix. Instead of having the same setup every year, bring in some new life and show the world your most recent additions to the family!
Give thanks for the love and joy they bring into your life.
This is perhaps the most important one. No matter where you go, what your job is, or what’s going on in your life, pets are there for us. So, this year, give thanks for everything they do and all the happiness they give.
