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I don’t know guys, I might be giving Charlie Brown a run for his money this year.
I’m not sure where my Christmas spirit is, but it’s sure not filling up Casa de Kolchak. I I’m not even giving it the ol’ Charlie Brown try. I haven’t put up the tree or decorated. I’m not doing much gift buying. None of it. I should feel merry and bright, but if I’m being honest. I’m in a bit of a slump. I’m kind of with Linus here, you guys. Christmas has gotten TOO commercial. I don’t want any part of it.
I’m usually filled with the holiday spirit, but none of the usual things are screaming “Christmas” to me.
That’s why I was absolutely thrilled when the amazing Carol from Fidose of Reality asked if I would join her in today’s post focused on how to personalize your holiday with pets. I love it. I LOVE IT!
I love the idea of taking some time to reflect on what Christmas means to me and then spreading a little more of my particular brand of Christmas spirit around.
So what really says Christmas to me? How do I celebrate the holidays with my my dogs in a way that is all ours? How could I share that joy with my dog loving friends?
1. Cuddles, Cocoa and a Good Book
There are only a few things I love about winter, but curling up on the couch with a pair of little black dogs, a cup of cocoa and a good book is one of my very favourite things to do. Get in the holiday spirit with a good holiday dog book like A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid or The Shepherd, the Angel and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry. These are two of my FAVOURITE stories and must reads for any dog lover. Add a little peppermint cocoa (just for the humans. Cocoa ain’t dog safe, yo) and one of Kolchak’s favourite blankets and you’ve got a party. A cozy, holiday reading party that’s perfectly my style. What a lovely gift to give the dog lover in your life: the gift of an afternoon to chill out.
2. Get in the kitchen!
Ok, so I know that like “food isn’t love” and “your feelings shouldn’t taste like cake” and all that healthy living mumbo jumbo, but cooking and baking is totally one of my love languages. One of the best things about the holidays is the baking, but it just doesn’t taste the same if it’s not home cooked. There is such a lesson in giving and caring when you bake for friends, family and even your dogs. Our peanut butter ginger bread treats are actually really easy to make, your dogs will love them and they are so festive! You can even decorate them with a little dog friendly icing, if that’s your thing. These are perfect for impressing friends and neighbours with a little gift to show your appreciation.
3. Walk the town, see the lights.
I walk my dogs every single night, but man, am I the only one who finds something so incredibly captivating about a crisp winter night, with Christmas lights twinkling in the air? I love to visit every neighbourhood in our area with the boys, walk around and see the lights. This is so much more fun, especially if you do it with friends and their dogs. It’s such a quiet kind of festivity and friendship. This gift won’t cost you a penny, just a little time and some good conversation, although you totally get bonus points for doing it in ugly Christmas sweaters for dogs and their people. You can even make your own. It’s funny, looking back on Christmas’ past, it’s not the gifts I remember, but experiences shared with loved ones that really matter.
4. Decorate for the Dogs
A few years ago, I made a super simple DIY Wall Decoration of Snoopy’s dog house. I love it. I love it…a lot. Every time I see it, my heart swells thinking about how much I loved watching Charlie Brown’s Christmas special as a kid and how I used to laugh with joy as Snoopy decorated his dog house. Decorate a tree with dog bone ornaments, pick up a special Christmas dog bed, get special holiday toys. Even when I don’t feel festive for me, I love getting festive for the dogs. This year, I might try to make Odie’s butt scratcher, it seems like something Kolchak would love. Help your favourite dog lover add a little Woof to their celebration by giving them the gift of pet themed decor!
5. Get crafty!
Crafting hand made gifts is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with a few good friends. Check out our craft page for fun ideas that you can make for your favourite dog lover, like a custom drink tray, a hand painted umbrella or even a restuffable, reusable dog toy. When you’re done, print a set of these and put your hand made gifts under the tree.
I would absolutely LOVE more ideas of how to celebrate Christmas with my pooches, friends and family.
Tell me, what says Christmas to you more than anything else? Is it something you can share with your dogs? With your friends? I’m dying to heard what you share.
And don’t forget to drop by Fidose of Reality, where Carols sharing her picks for a great personalized pet holiday. She’s the ginger to my bread, so I know she’s got a ton of great ideas to help you and your pooch celebrate.
Emma
Friday 9th of December 2016
This time of year we love taking our evening walks in different areas of the neighborhood to see all the lights. It is motivation to get out in the darkness.