It’s that time of the year again, folks! The time to deck the halls, bake cookies, and snuggle up with our furry best friends. For those of us who don’t have a human family to spend the holidays with, our dogs are our constant companions and make everything feel just a little bit more magical. So why not plan to celebrate Christmas with your dog.
So, how exactly do you spend the holidays with your pup? Well, let me tell you, there are plenty of ways to make the season bright with your furry best friend by your side. Here are some tips on how to make the most out of Christmas and New Year’s with your dog.
Celebrate Christmas with your dog
Bake some homemade treats for your pup
One of the best things about the holidays is all the delicious food, and you can definitely include your pup in on the festivities. Baking homemade dog treats is a great way to show your pup just how much you love them. Beyond the classic treats, why not venture into the world of doggy cuisine? Whip up some pup-friendly cupcakes, frost them with dog-safe yogurt, and watch your dog’s eyes light up with joy. It’s a culinary adventure that’ll leave both of you with happy hearts and full bellies.
Set up an ice cream buffet
Even in winter, an ice cream buffet is a hit! Create a frozen feast for your pup using dog-friendly ingredients. From yogurt popsicles to frozen fruit treats, it’s a tasty way to beat the winter chill while celebrating the season.
Take a winter walk
Going for a walk is always a great activity to do with your dog, but there’s something extra special about taking a walk in the winter. Whether it’s a crisp, sunny day or a snowy wonderland, there’s something so magical about the winter scenery. Take a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood, go to a nearby park, or hit up a nearby nature trail. Your dog will love all the sights, smells, and sounds of the season.
You can even turn your winter walks into an exciting scavenger hunt for your pup. Hide treats along the route or bring along their favorite toys. It adds an extra layer of fun to your stroll, keeping your pup engaged and thrilled by the unexpected surprises.
Have a doggy Christmas movie night
Snuggling up on the couch with your pup is one of the best things about the holidays. Make it even more special by having a doggy Christmas movie night. Put on your favorite holiday movie, grab a bowl of popcorn, and cuddle up with your pup. Trust me, they’ll love the extra attention, and you’ll love the extra snuggles.
Expand your movie night to a full-on marathon! Create a playlist of dog-friendly Christmas movies and make it a cinematic experience. It’s not just about one film—it’s about making memories snuggled up with your furry co-critic. Here are some movie options to get you started:
- The Grinch: While the Grinch might be a bit of a grump, his loyal dog, Max, steals the show with his adorable antics.
- The Dog Who Saved Christmas: A family comedy where a lovable pup named Zeus steps up to save Christmas from burglars.
- The Search for Santa Paws: A charming film featuring talking dogs and magical adventures as they try to save Christmas.
- Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws: An installment in the Air Bud franchise, this movie follows a group of puppies on a mission to save Christmas.
- Lady and the Tramp: The iconic spaghetti scene in this Disney classic takes place at Christmastime, making it a festive favorite.
- A Dog Named Christmas: Based on the novel by Greg Kincaid, this film tells the story of a young man with a developmental disability who convinces his family to foster a dog for the holidays.
- A Charlie Brown Christmas: This Christmas classic is great for people and dogs alike.
Have a Christmas photoshoot
What better way to capture the memories of the holidays than with a photoshoot? Get dressed up in your holiday best and have a mini photo session with your pup. Whether you use a professional photographer or just snap some photos with your phone, these pictures will be a cherished reminder of the holidays spent with your furry best friend.
Don’t limit yourself to a single photoshoot—make it a series! Plan themed shoots, from “Santa Paws” to “Winter Wonderland Chic.” Capture the various moods and expressions of your pup, creating a visual storybook of your festive season.
Dress-up extravaganza with a costume parade
Expand your festive wardrobe for your pup and host a costume parade. Whether it’s holiday-themed outfits or creative DIY costumes, let your pup strut their stuff. Encourage other dog owners to join in, turning it into a neighborhood parade of holiday cheer.
Have a doggy gift exchange
Why should humans have all the fun with gift exchanges? Have a doggy gift exchange with your pup and their dog friends. Wrap up some toys, treats, and other dog-friendly items and have a festive time exchanging gifts. Your pup will love the extra attention and excitement, and you’ll love watching them play with their new toys.
Make homemade doggy Christmas ornaments
Creating homemade ornaments is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Why not make some special ornaments just for your pup? You can find tutorials online for making dog pawprint ornaments, or you can get creative and make your own unique design. These ornaments will be a special reminder of all the holiday fun you and your pup had together.
Build a doggy snow castle
If you’re in a snowy wonderland, take advantage of it! Build a doggy snow castle in your backyard. Use safe materials like snow and sticks to create a fortress of fun for your pup. It’s a unique way to embrace the winter magic with your furry friend.
Have a doggy New Year’s Eve party
Why should humans have all the fun on New Year’s Eve? Have a doggy New Year ‘s Eve party and celebrate with your furry best friend. You can make it a fancy dress party or just have a cozy night in. Make sure to have plenty of treats and toys for your pup to play with and have a fun time ringing in the new year together.
Take a New Year’s Day hike
Start the new year off on the right paw by going for a hike with your pup. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Plus, your pup will love the extra time spent with you and the opportunity to explore new sights and smells.
Festive agility course challenge
Set up a mini agility course in your backyard or a local park. Use holiday-themed obstacles like candy cane jumps and wreath tunnels. It’s a playful and physically stimulating way to celebrate the season while showcasing your pup’s agility skills.
Have a doggy spa day
After all the holiday festivities, your pup might need a little pampering. Have a doggy spa day and give them a nice bath, trim their nails, and brush their fur. Your pup will love the extra attention and will be feeling refreshed and ready for the new year.
Elevate the spa day experience to a full staycation. Create a spa-like atmosphere at home, complete with calming scents and soothing music. Treat your pup to a relaxing massage and maybe even a pawdicure. It’s the ultimate pampering session for your furry royalty.
Make a New Year’s Resolution for your pup
Just like humans, dogs can benefit from having a resolution. Make a resolution for your pup and work on it together. It could be anything from learning a new trick, to going on a hike once a week, to working on their obedience training. Having a goal to work towards will be good for both you and your pup.
So, there you have it, folks! These are just a few ways you can spend the holidays with your dog and make it a memorable time. Whether you’re baking treats, taking walks, or having a doggy New Year’s Eve party, the most important thing is to spend quality time with your furry best friend and make the most out of the holiday season.
Wishing you and your pup a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
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