'Tis the season to be jolly! Yes, that's right. The holiday season is here, and it is time to embrace the spirit of warmth, togetherness, and joy. Around this time of year, people gather with friends and family to share laughter, create cherished memories, and express gratitude for all they have and the bonds that bring them closer. With streets lined with colorful lights, homes decked out with festive decorations, and the scent of freshly baked goods in the air, it's hard not to be in the holiday spirit!
But guess what? Your furry friend wants in on the festivities too! Let the warmth of the holidays extend to every corner of your home, including the paws and tails—or feathers and scales—that help make your family feel complete. It’s the perfect opportunity to express your affection and deep appreciation for the love, companionship, and happiness they bring to your life!
As we dive headfirst into the holidays, let’s sprinkle an extra dose of joy in our pet’s lives! In this post, we’ll unwrap some fun holiday activities you can do with your pet that will certainly have their tails wagging!
Make Holiday Pet Stockings
Was your furry friend naughty or nice this year? More than likely, they were being a good boy or girl!
Deck the halls with stockings filled with gifts—a popular holiday tradition that brings excitement and creates memorable moments for families to share and cherish. But hold on! These festive stockings aren’t just a gift for the family to enjoy; they can also be a special surprise for your beloved pet. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the holidays are a great time to pamper your cherished furry friend with an array of new toys, treats, and other pet-friendly products. Imagine the joy on their faces once they catch sight and a whiff of the delicious treasures inside!
In need of some options on what presents to fill your fur baby’s Christmas stocking with? We’ve got you covered!
Check out our Bruno’s Place Dog Collection and Cat Collection for pawsome holiday gift ideas for your canine and feline companions! From interactive toys, treats, and chews, to apparel, accessories, and wellness—you’re bound to find the purr-fect gift for your best friend!
While the option to buy a ready-made stocking from stores is always available, you can also get crafty and make it a fun, hands-on project by constructing one from scratch. Not only is this a more creative route, but it allows for more personalization as you can choose fabrics, colors, and decorations that resonate with your pet’s personality and the festive theme you’re going for. Be sure to choose safe and pet-friendly materials that are non-toxic, durable, and won’t pose any harm should your pet decide to nibble on them. These may include felt, cotton, non-toxic glue or adhesives, or recycled fabrics you have at home—such as old t-shirts, blankets, quilts, socks, and more.
Unleash your creativity when designing your furry friend’s stocking! For instance, consider shaping it into a bone or even a paw print. Take it a step further by adding your pet’s name and adorning the stocking with festive and pet-themed decorations such as ribbons, charms, buttons, and tags in the shape of playful toys or miniature holiday ornaments!
Embark on a Snowy Adventure
If you live in an area where it snows, why not treat your dog to a winter hike or romp in the white, powdery fluff? Surprisingly, some dogs love playing in the snow! For many of them, it may be a new and exciting experience, and given their curious nature, it is only natural that they will want to dive into it, run around, and explore the wintry wonderland.
Whether it’s watching your furry companion chase after snowflakes, taking a stroll on a snowy hiking trail, or joining in a lighthearted snowball fight together, these playful activities can not only stimulate your pet’s senses but generate joyous moments and deepen the bond between you and your pet!
Provide your fur baby with a perfect outfit for the weather to guarantee their warmth and comfort. From jackets to little booties for their paws, ensure their protection in chilly conditions while keeping them looking stylish.
Take Holiday-Themed Photos
‘Tis the season to spread joy and holiday cheer! Consider taking some family holiday photos with your four-legged pal. Orchestrating a photo shoot is not only a great way to bond with your pet, but it also helps to create lasting memories. The best part? You can be as creative as possible! You can dress them up in clothing and accessories such as Santa hats, elf ears, or cute or ugly Christmas sweaters, or you can coordinate matching clothes with the family!
Whether you have the photos professionally taken or decide to capture the moments right at home using your smartphone or a regular camera, the most important thing is that you enjoy the process and the time spent with your adorable pet—no matter the number of retakes! If you opt for a DIY photoshoot, be sure to set up a festive backdrop that complements the holiday season. For example, it could be in front of your decorated tree, a cozy corner of your home that is adorned with festive decorations, or a serene winter landscape outside your window!
Think about spreading holiday joy by sharing these photos in season greeting cards to friends and family or posting them on social media. You can even make tree ornaments using the pictures or make a holiday photo album to look back on!
Check Out Holiday Displays in Your Neighborhood
Another delightful way to spend the holidays with your fur baby is by taking them for a walk around the neighborhood. Around this time of year, many families decorate the outside of their homes with beautiful, vibrant lights and decorations—some folks even play synchronized music that perfectly matches their light displays! Take some time with your pet to walk around and admire all of the different ways people have decided to display their holiday spirit. It can provide a visually stimulating experience for your pet as the new sights and sounds capture their attention and keep them engaged during the walk.
Whip Up Tasty Holiday Treats for Your Furry Friend
Ring in the holidays this year by baking some pet-friendly treats! Nothing sparks more joy than baking to capture the joyful essence of this season, and many people and families look forward to the delight of making and sharing these delicious goodies with their loved ones. From special family recipes and Christmas cookies to cakes and building gingerbread houses, baking is a fun way for individuals to be creative, fostering a warm and festive atmosphere in their homes.
If you have the time, consider baking some homemade cookies or biscuits for your furry friend—there are plenty of easy recipes for homemade dog or cat treats that you can find online in an instant. You can even shape them into holiday symbols like a star, tree, snowflake, or even gingerbread people! Just be sure to use safe and healthy ingredients and avoid giving them too many.
Go to a Pet-Friendly Light Show
Check your local listings to find pet-friendly holiday activities, such as light display events! Not only can this be a magical and memorable experience for both you and your pet, but it is also a great way of spending quality time together—especially if you go with family and friends. Just picture it—you and your furry best friend strolling through a winter wonderland embellished with festive decorations, light sculptures and art installations, an array of twinkling, colorful lights, and perhaps even some lively holiday music. It’s a joyful and adventurous outing that can enhance the holiday spirit for the both of you!
To make it a safe and enjoyable outing, it is important to ensure that your pet is comfortable and kept on a leash at all times, per any specific rules and regulations set by the event. Additionally, have them dressed appropriately for the weather! If it's cold outside, a cozy sweater or jacket can keep them warm. Remember to bring treats, water, and watch out for any signs of overstimulation due to the lights, crowds, or surrounding noise.
Most importantly, have fun! Capture moments by taking photos with your pet against the backdrop of vibrant lights to create lasting memories you can cherish for a long time! For pets who don’t dwell well in crowds, drive-thru holiday lights are also an option—just check to see if your community is hosting one. That way you can still bring your canine and feline friend along for the ride to celebrate the holidays!
Have a Movie Night With Your Pet
It's the most wonderful time of the year—but also seemingly the coldest. Why not set up a cozy spot in your living room and have a holiday movie night with your pet? Gather some soft blankets, plush pillows, or maybe even a variety of comfy throws and cushions to create a warm and inviting space. Transform your living room into a snug haven where you and your cuddly companion can unwind and immerse yourselves in the magic of the holidays!
Elevate the ambiance by decorating the room with string or holiday-themed fairy lights, or create a cozy glow by dimming the lights and lighting pet-safe candles. Don't forget to make yourself a mug of hot chocolate and prepare some snacks and pet-friendly treats for you and your furry friend to enjoy during the movie!
Not sure what movie to watch? Don’t worry! From a selection of holiday classics to animated films, here are some popular choices that are sure to whisk you away into a world of festive magic!
• The Polar Express
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Elf
• Home Alone
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• The Search for Santa Paws
• A Christmas Carol
• The Santa Clause
• Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure
