On New Year’s Eve, you and your pup popped some champagne and listed all the ways you were going to change. But if you’re struggling to keep up with all your grand resolutions, then Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day (otherwise known as January 17) is the perfect time to take a step back and relax.

This unofficial holiday doesn’t have a lot of history behind it, but it has plenty of reasons to exist— over one million reasons, actually, since 30% of people in the U.S. alone end up dropping their resolutions.

Usually, this happens within two weeks of the New Year. So January 17 is the perfect day to celebrate and decide how you’re going to spend the rest of the year.

How To Celebrate Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day

You may already have an idea about how to celebrate Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day, but we’ve listed some great ideas below just in case. And as a bonus, they’re all pet-friendly!

It takes serious commitment and willpower to stick to one resolution all year long, and most people make more than one. If you’re unsure about some of the resolutions you’ve made (no judgement, we’re in the same boat), then this day is definitely for you.

Have A Guilt-Free Day

The most important part of celebrating this unofficial holiday is to completely ignore all the New Year’s resolutions you made.

If you resolved to exercise more? Or maybe decided to eat healthier? Today you can veg out and binge that TV series you’ve been interested in – no real vegetables required.

Keep in mind, you don’t have to do the opposite of what your resolutions are. Instead, this day is all about doing whatever you want without feeling guilty about it.

Generally, there are three ways to celebrate this day:

• Stay In – Your four-legged friend is sure to appreciate some extra cuddles and attention, and today is the perfect day to provide it. Relax, cook or order your favorite foods, and do whatever makes you happy.
• Go Out – Take a walking tour, hit the park, or look up a dog-friendly beach or restaurant near you. You can revisit favorite spots or find a new one. If you’ve never done it before, explore your city to see what it has to offer.
• Do Both – If you’re split, why not do both? Have a lazy morning in before venturing or hit the pavement early on and then relax in the evening. You can’t go wrong no matter which you choose, and we’re sure your dog will agree.

Don’t worry about anything and avoid stressors. Nap when you want, do what you want, and focus on making great memories with your family and friends, especially the furry ones.

Treat Yourself

You’ve heard it before and we’ll say it again: treat yourself! Grab an indulgent snack or look into a new piece of fun for you and your dog.

Similar to how you can celebrate Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day however you want, you can treat yourself and your pet however you think is best.

• Have Fun – We’ve said this a few times, but the most important way to celebrate this holiday is to have fun. Whatever that looks like for you and your pet, do it! There’s no wrong way to have a great time.
• Indulge Your Tastebuds – If new clothes aren’t your style, try indulging your tastebuds. Try something sweet, savory, or in between. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to grab something delicious for your pup.
• Try Something New – Not everyone enjoys trying new things, but we definitely recommend this if you’re up for a surprise on your treat day. Try a new restaurant, local shop, park, or other activity. Whatever you do, make sure it’s pet-friendly!

Today you don’t need to stress about anything, and that includes money. That’s why is great that treating yourself doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of affordable, DIY, and even free ways to have a great time without breaking the bank.

Treats are usually more fun in moderation, but we trust you to know your (and your pet’s) limits. Whether that means one or ten peanut butter snacks, rest assured that we won’t judge.

Rest And Reevaluate

This is the perfect day for some R&R— not rest and rejuvenation, but rather rest and reevaluation.

Pamper yourself and take it easy, whether that means taking an extra-long shower or just wearing your comfiest set of clothes.

• Rest – There’s more than one type of rest. Most people remember to sleep in and take care of themselves physically, but it’s also important to take care of your emotional and mental health. And the same goes for your pet!
• More Rest – Now that you’ve nailed down what type of rest you and your pet need most, get lots of it! Nap some more, spoil yourself and your pup, or do low-stress activities— or all three!
• Reevaluate – And once you’ve relaxed enough that you’re practically melting into the couch, take a moment to reevaluate your New Year’s resolutions. Think about which ones are going well, just okay, or not working out as well as you’d hoped.

Consider the resolutions you want to keep trying out and which might be better shelved until next year. You can also modify your resolutions now that you’ve had a trial period, so that they better fit your lifestyle and are more realistic.

Looking To The Future

Hopefully, Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day has given you and your pet some insight into the resolutions you made.