How to Include Pets in Your Christmas Celebration

Today, more than ever before, people want to include their pets in their Christmas traditions. But other than making a stocking for your pet and filling it full of treats, what can you do to make the holiday memorable?

First, remember that any Christmas celebrating that you do which includes your pet is for your sake, not your pet's. There is nothing wrong with that, of course. It is rather like the parent of a two-year old wanting that child included in the Christmas celebrations. The child won't really remember it later. All that child will know is that everyone was laughing and having fun. You are the only ones who know that it is Christmas and what Christmas means.

Second, don't be shy about starting new traditions especially tailored for your pet. In fact, this is highly appropriate under the circumstances. You wouldn't expect your pet to attend the yearly production of "The Nutcracker Ballet" with you and your husband, now would you? No, nor would you expect a two year old to do so either. Just as you have to add new traditions when a child comes into your life, so it is when you want your pet to take part of your Christmas traditions.

Some of the same types of things a parent of a two year old would do as a tradition are what also might work for your pet. Many people take their small child to sit on Santa's lap to have his picture taken. Pets stores are now following suit and are also providing a Santa for dogs, cats, and other pets to get their picture taken. If you don't believe your pet is disciplined enough to handle the crowd, why not take some snapshots of him in front of your tree? You could then let your pet send out his own Christmas cards to his animal friends enclosing his picture, perhaps even inviting his friends over for Christmas treats while the grownups had a glass of wine or a cup of coffee.

Having those photographs can be a good way to help keep track of the years. Each year you can take a copy of the best photo and have it made into a Christmas ornament. Soon you'll go from "baby's first Christmas" to having so many ornaments that you'll need a second box to hold them all.