Three Ways to Include the Family Pet During the Christmas Holiday

One: The stockings were hung by the chimney with care. Create a stocking for your animal and fill it full of goodies you know they will like that are pet appropriate. For example, if you have a dog you could put rubber dog bones, rawhide, or doggie treats inside. If you have a cat you could put a toy you know would be enjoyed inside of it. If you have a fish that the family has taken a special shine to you could purchase some food or items for the aquarium that would fit in the stocking. Put your pet's name on the stocking and hang it up next to the rest of the family member's stockings.

Two: Appearances can say a lot. Decorate your pet or the favorite space it takes up. For instance, if you have a gerbil or hamster that the children are especially fond of, you could hang some red velvet holiday bows from the cage (making sure the bows are not accessible enough for the pet to eat). If you have a dog you could purchase a Santa Clause outfit for it. Or maybe you could purchase a fancy Christmas blanket for its regular bedding space. If you have a cat, a nice holiday collar with bells could be a great way to festive up Mr. Kitty. Whatever the case may be for the type of pet you have, or the space it keeps, there are creative ways you can come up with to make the animal a part of the festivities of the season.

Three: Include your pet in the family holiday picture. Put a Santa hat on it, if of course the animal is the right size to do so. Or have a family member hold it (perfect for say a pet iguana). This simple measure is an easy way to put a smile on the people's faces who receive your family photo. If you really want to go all out you could have the picture placed on the front of cards this year and send them out as your traditional greetings. It is a keepsake those receiving it may really enjoy having around to take out each holiday season. You could also have stamps made up with the picture on it that can really be used in the mail. Just make sure if doing so that the stamps are U.S. Postal Service approved. Or, if you really feel pet-oriented this year, you could take a picture of the pet or pets alone dressed in holiday garb or in front of a holiday backdrop, and use that as the front of a special order Christmas Card.

These are great ideas to help you include your pet for the holiday. Of course there are many others you can come up with as well. Pets can be members of the family and including them in the festivities is sure to brighten the holiday for you and for them.