6 Ways to Celebrate Christmas With Your Dog

December 14, 2020

From picking out a Christmas tree to hanging stocking to baking holiday cookies, every family has their favorite holidays. Whether your family is big, small, or made up of four-legged friends, everyone deserves to have a safe and happy Christmas.

But with so many fun options to choose from, how do you pick the best ways to celebrate the holidays with your dog? Thankfully, it’s actually pretty simple. With a few small adjustments and some attention to detail, your furry family members can join in all of your favorite activities before, during, and after Christmas.

Create Family Holiday Cards

Giving and receiving Christmas cards is one of the cornerstones of this season. Whether you prefer a traditional picture or like to have fun, gathering together for a family photo practically marks the start of the holiday.

  • Ugly Sweaters – ‘Tis the season for most fun, gaudiest sweaters you can find. Break out the glitter, flashing lights, and bright colors for a laugh. And this year, include Fido!
  • Matching Outfits – You can your pet do practically everything together, so why not get matching outfits for the holiday card?
  • Festive Accessories – Make Christmas come early by decking your pets with festive accessories. They’ll shine brighter than the tree this year.

There’s really no wrong way to do a Christmas card. You can don your best or relax in pajamas, strike a simple pose or go all out. And with your pet joining you this year, the holiday cards you send out are sure to stay up on the fridge long past New Year.

Visit Santa Or Write a Letter

When Santa visits the malls and other local stores to collect Christmas wishes, it’s a dream come true for kids! And if your pet is similarly eager to meet the big guy himself, there’s no reason they can’t join in the fun.

Look up pet-friendly photos near you to find out when your dog or cat can meet Santa. There are usually meet-ups at the malls, pet stores, and outdoor spaces.

You can also write a letter to Santa and receive a personalized response, postmarked from the real North Pole!

Be Santa’s Secret Helper

If you and your pet want to spread some Christmas cheer this year and give back, there are plenty of great programs to get involved in! Just a few of these include:

  • Operation Santa – Join USPS and “adopt a letter” from a child in need. Simply look through the letters, find the perfect gift, and ship it to the family in time for Christmas.
  • Angel Tree – Coordinated by Walmart and the Salvation Army, choose a tag that represents a child; purchase the gift on the tag and it will be sent to the child on Christmas morning.
  • Toys For Tots – You can provide toys for kids in need this Christmas by simply buying a present and dropping it off at one of the many pickup locations.
  • Operations Christmas Spirit – “Adopt” a military family that’s in need this holiday season by fulfilling the kids’ wish lists or providing donations.

If you’re fortunate enough not to need help this year, consider helping Santa out. Even without a workshop and elves, you and your pet can still make a big difference in a child or family’s life.

Bake Cookies (And Pet-Friendly Snacks)

Why should Santa get all the cookies and milk? Baking sweet holiday treats is fun for everyone, though it’s a tough choice between cookie dough and the finished product. Even the icing and sprinkles end up in your stomach more than on the treats.

And it’s super simple to include your dog in this fun holiday tradition. You can pick out a pet-safe product online or search for recipes yourself. Some pet parent favorite include:

  • Candy cane dog ice cream and other flavors
  • Carob chip cookie mix (a safe alternative to chocolate)
  • Peanut butter doggie cheesecake
  • Pet treats in festive holiday shapes

You can also give your dog a little extra of their favorite snack, such as carrots or lean chicken.

Have A Movie Marathon

Even when the Grinch’s heart was two sizes too small, he still loved his trusty companion Max. And we’re sure you also love your dog (though hopefully you don’t also love impersonating Santa).

So why not grab some snacks, get a fire going, and watch some of your favorite movies? Whether it’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Santa Clause, or another classic, your pup is sure to enjoy watching it with you.

But while you’re relaxing, remember these practical considerations:

  • Take regular potty breaks so that your pet can relieve themselves
  • Make sure to include some pet-friendly snacking options
  • If your pet has specific triggers, like gunshots, avoid movies with those

If you have a particularly energetic pup, try and make the movie marathon active. Play tug of war while Kevin McCallister fights off the sticky bandits, throw a ball to the tune of the Muppet’s Christmas carols, and wrestle while Scrooge gets a ghostly visitor.

Open Presents And Stockings

When Christmas day proper arrives, your pet will probably want to open presents right along with the rest of the family. And if you’re willing to hang up an extra stocking or wrap some more gifts, they can easily join in!

New outfits and toys make for great gifts, as do treats. Practical presents like a customized dog bowl or new leash set are also sure to be appreciated.

But before you and your pet get caught up in the Christmas craze, make sure to remember these safety tips:

  • When opening presents, make sure your pet doesn’t swallow strings, bows, and other decorations that they could cause bowel problems
  • If you let your pet fetch their own present from under the tree, make sure they don’t also pick up tinsel, ornaments, or similar décor that could lead to impaction
  • Make sure your pet’s presents are easy to open and have no sharp edges, staples, or other closures that could harm them

By remembering these simple tips, your family can focus on having a good time and enjoying a relaxing Christmas morning.

Celebrate With Family And Friends

Perhaps the best part of Christmas is being able to spend time with your family and friends, whether it’s in person or over the phone. And this absolutely includes your furry best friend! Dogs are extremely sensitive to the emotions of those around them, and will no doubt be just as excited as you.

But as you celebrate, take your pet’s unique needs into consideration:

  • If your pet suffers from anxiety or is easily overwhelmed, keep the festivities to a minimum or sequester them in a calm, quiet part of the house
  • If you’re traveling without your pet, board them or have a pet sitter, friend, or neighbor check on them regularly
  • If your pet has a disability and tires easily, enforce regular breaks and make sure they don’t overexert themselves

No matter what, make sure they get plenty of water! If you’re having friends and family over, it’s sure to be a busy, albeit wonderful, day.

Conclusion

It’s certainly fun to rip off wrapping paper and try a dozen different cookies. But beneath all the glitter, Christmas is really about spending time with loves ones and taking a moment to appreciate the people who make your life special. It’s also a time to show thanks to those you hold dear, whether these individuals are of the two-legged or four-legged variety.

This Christmas, show your pet some love by including them in all of your favorite holiday activities. You can include them in time-honored traditions or start a new one. Either way, they’re sure to have a merry time celebrating.

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