It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season has finally arrived and with Christmas around the corner, it’s time to start planning some family fun. With only a week until Christmas and only a couple of weeks until the end of the year, it’s easy to get caught up in last-minute work, errands, and shopping. Often times, dogs can feel neglected during these December holiday weeks since their owners are often busy doing other things. To make sure your dog feels some extra love during these busy times, here are 5 fun and easy Christmas-themed activities you can do with your dog!
Admire the Lights
Almost all dogs need to be walked multiple times a day, including at night. Since it’s the holiday season, many houses, shops, and buildings are beautifully adorned with twinkling lights. So, the next time you’re walking your dog at night, try to reroute your walk to see some of the beautiful holiday lights. This is one of the easiest ways to add a little holiday sparkle to your daily routine.
Take Christmas Photos
For many, one of the most important aspects of the holiday season is creating and documenting the special memories shared with family. This year, include your pup in the fun! There are endless possibilities for the types of pics you can take with and of your dog during the holiday season, making it the perfect holiday activity. You can dress them up or place them in front of different backgrounds or show them with some holiday-themed treats. Then, you can share your cute holiday-themed pics with your family and friends and also have them for yourself as memories forever!
Hang a Christmas Stocking
Who says that only humans can have stockings on Christmas? Add another stocking above the chimney this Christmas for your pup! Bring them in on the fun by filling their stocking with toys, treats, and other presents. Then, on Christmas morning, show them everything in the stocking and let them have some holiday cheer!
Have a Christmas Movie Marathon
There’s no better way to rein in the Christmas spirit than with a Christmas movie marathon! Get your coziest blankets, your favorite Christmas-themed sweets, and your Christmas-themed dog treats, and snuggle up with your pup for some of the best heartwarming movies! Most TV networks have Christmas movie marathons during the holiday season, making it that much easier to carry out this fun activity.
Bake Christmas Treats
One of the classic traditions for Christmas is baking and decorating cookies to leave out for Santa. This year, instead of only focusing on Santa, also focus on your pup! There are tons of easy recipes for healthy dog treats that will not only get them in the holiday spirit but also benefit their health! Here is a fun and easy recipe for holiday-themed dog treats:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh sweet potato puree
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup oats
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 Tbsp of all-natural peanut butter
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Peel and cube two medium sweet potatoes and bring to a boil in a pot of water. Reduce to low and simmer approximately 15-20 minutes or until soft. Drain cooked potatoes and puree using a blender or food processor.
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, oats, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the egg, sweet potato, and peanut butter until combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry.
- Pour onto a floured surface and roll dough out to 1/4 – 3/8 thick. Cut out using Christmas cookie cutter. The dough will be a little sticky, dust your hands and the rolling pin with a little flour to help!
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Place on cooling racks and let cool thoroughly. They will harden as they cool.
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