Family traditions make the holiday season so special. From baking cookies to family photos, we have plenty of traditions during the Christmas holiday season. Dogs, as part of the family, should get a taste of the holiday spirit.
Do you want to start some new and fun holiday traditions with your furry friend? The best way to make your puppy feel like part of the family is to include him in all traditions. Like children, dogs can enjoy the holiday fun and make the season that much more enjoyable and amazing.
We have compiled a list of holiday traditions where you can include your dog and make the season pawfect.
Take Family Pictures
Put on matching holiday pajamas, sweaters, or costumes, and show off your festive spirit with a photo shoot or family portrait. For centuries, one of the best holiday traditions has been to commemorate the season with a family portrait.
This year, you can start including your puppies in it. Take both silly and serious photos and get creative with outfits and accessories. Play around and make the experience fun. After you finish, you will have some amazing pictures to look back to.
After all, isn’t dressing up your photogenic pet one of the best things to do?
Bake Cookies
You do not have to make an entire cake for your pet, but you can start baking some dog-friendly treats. There are plenty of recipes for vet-approved treats you can find online.
Invite your dog to the kitchen, and let him get a taste of what is to come. If nothing else, you can be sure the floor will be clean after you’re done cooking because dogs are best at scooping up things off the floor. Who doesn’t need a personal cleaning assistant, right?
Take Your Pet to See Santa
Visiting Santa is a Christmas tradition we all cherish. Lately, people have started to take their puppies to join in the fun. Of course, make sure your dog is socialized and will not cause an incident while sitting on Santa’s lap.
Many pet stores organize free events for owners to come with their pets and take pictures with Santa Clause. The only downside is that you might have to wait in line for a while. Having a pet next to you while waiting to see Old Saint Nick might be a great conversation starter. When you’re done, you will have the cutest holiday photo to look at years later.
Get Your Pet a Stocking
You might already hang your children a stocking, so what is one more? Or if you are a single owner, you can hang a stocking for you and your furry friend.
Fill the stocking with some treats, tennis balls, squeaky toys, small toys, or anything your pet loves. You do not have to spend a fortune to make Fido happy. You can find plenty of fun toys and treats from the dollar store.
Deck the Paws
Everyone loves holiday decorations, including your pet. You can turn the activity into an outdoor walk. Take your pet outside and look for some pinecones and leaves you can use as decorations.
Your dog will enjoy sniffing during the walk, while you search for decorations. This activity is great for shedding some holiday calories and gives you another reason to get out with your pet and celebrate happy moments.
Grab a bag or a basket to pick up decorations, and enjoy everything nature has to offer.
Watch Holiday Movies
Your dog might not understand the movie, but he will enjoy lying next to you and snacking. Christmas movies are some of the best and most enjoyable movies.
There are plenty of dog-friendly Christmas movies, including How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Search for Santa Paws, Lady and the Tramp, A Dog Named Christmas, Christmas With Tucker, Up on the Wooftop, A Puppy for Christmas, The 12 Dogs of Christmas, and many more.
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Buy Ugly Sweaters
One of the most popular trends during Christmas is wearing ugly sweaters. Get your dog to join the trend with his very own sweater. Nowadays, even stores have matching sweaters for owners and their pets.
If you are good at crafting and want a challenge, try and sew or design your own Christmas sweater! This could be a unique craft for the season and your pictures will be unforgettable with you and your pup..
Take Advantage of the Snowy Season
Most dogs go crazy when they see, especially breeds such as a Siberian husky, Bernese mountain dog, or an Alaskan malamute. To be fair, most dogs love romping around in the snow.
Go out for a hike, where you can try to build a snowman or a snowpup, and toss some snowballs. As long as you are outside, your dog will love it. Go and get some fresh air!
Help Local Animal Shelters
Local animal shelters always need dog supplies. Dogs teach us about sharing and helping everyone in need. It is time to show your love and help others. Consider fostering or donating supplies and food to a local animal shelter. You cannot go wrong with giving back during the holiday season!
Volunteer With Your Dog
Having a dog offers many mental health benefits. Dogs are great at cheering people and bringing a smile to their faces. During the holiday season, contact a local nursing home, hospital, or school, and ask if there are possibilities to volunteer and bring your dog to cheer up the residents.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t already, now is the time to start holiday traditions with your furry friend. Hopefully, we gave you plenty of ideas on how to create lasting memories and bond with your pet. Whether you are good at baking treats, snapping photos, or enjoying a hike and a movie together, these holiday activities will add joy to the season.
Do not forget, you can also spread kindness and cheer to others. Isn’t that the spirit of the holiday season?
