Too often during this time of year, we get way too caught up in the commercial side of things. Finding the perfect gift, buying the newest gadgets. That’s all fine and dandy, but honestly, that’s not what it’s all about. No matter what holiday you celebrate, if you’re Christian or Jewish or Muslim or Agnostic, I think we can all agree on at least this one thing. The holidays are a time where families gather, where we remember just how lucky we are to have the ones we love in our lives. And this doesn’t just go for our human family members, or at least it shouldn’t!
What your dog REALLY wants for Christmas
Sure, I could sit here and give you a laundry list of the coolest new dog toys, the best outdoor gear, the healthiest treats.. but I’m not going to. Because there is something WAY more valuable that your dog would rather have. Trust me, I am 100% positive about this. You CANNOT go wrong with this gift. Are you ready for it?? It’s YOU!
Your time, your attention, your love.
There is nothing more precious in the whole wide world to your dog than their human. Doesn’t just reading that sentence make you happy? You know it’s true too. They wait patiently all day while you’re at work. They freak out when you come back in the house from checking the mail because you were gone just, like, WAY too long and they thought they would NEVER see you again. They live for you and savor every minute that you’re together.
So, here are a few gift ideas that they will go WILD over. They don’t fit in a box. You can’t wrap them. You can’t buy them on Amazon or at the store. And no, I do not make a small commission off of their purchase to keep this blog running! LOL 😉 This is just for the pups!
Take them for a walk
Dogs love exercise and they love to spend time with you. So grab their leash and watch them break into their happy dance! Whether it’s in the woods (that’s obviously our recommendation!), in your neighborhood, or at their favorite park. It really doesn’t matter, as long as you’re together.
Go on an adventure!
Dogs love to explore new places! Grab your favorite sidekick, hop in the car, and go out in search of adventure! Breathe the crisp, fresh air, hear the birds, smell the smells (this one is obviously more for your mutt, but hey, feel free to stick your nose where theirs goes. Just maybe use a bit of caution with that one). See the world through their eyes for a bit. Follow their lead, slow down, and take a moment to take it all in. Or, if you have a dog like my girl Boomer, go bat-sh*t crazy toghether! Run like a wild banshee, feel the wind in your ears (hair?), and remember what it’s like to feel alive! And then collapse in a pile on the ground exhausted, but really happy, because your dog’s tongue is hanging out and they’re covering you with kisses because you’re like, the most awesome human ever and that was SO MUCH FUN!
Some one-on-one bonding time
With everything that goes on around the holidays, remember to take some time for you and your pup. Things can get a bit stressful with visitors and shopping and holiday activities. Our dogs feel it too. Remember to slow down and spend some quality time with your furry family member(s). It can be as simple as an extra walk in the afternoon or a game of fetch or, if you’re crazy like me, an escape from it all on a solo bonding trip!
Extra Snuggles
Your to do list is long. You still have to buy a gift for your Secret Santa and bake cookies for the neighbors and, and, and.. But guess what? The world can wait 5 more minutes. Hit the snooze button and show your pup you love em with a few extra minutes under the covers with their favorite person. You’ll both be glad you did!
Play!
I’m sure my dogs will love the new toys and balls that I got them for Christmas, but even more than that, their little faces will light up when we head out back and play with them. Whether it’s a game of fetch with their new ball (or a game of keep-away depending on the dog), playing in the snow in their new coat, or a game of tug in the living room, your dog’s favorite part about their new presents will that you get to play with them together!
Include them in the festivities
There are a lot of activities this time that the dogs can’t be included in. Be it your son or daughter’s holiday musical, shopping at the mall, or a holiday party for work. So, why not try to include your pooch in as much of the holiday fun as you can? Take them out with the kids to go sledding. Bring them with you to their Grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve. Whatever it is that you do this time of year, try to include them in the fun too when you can! They will love you for it!
Plus, it makes for awesome photo ops, especially if you break out the peanut butter!!! HAHAHAHAHA!
The moral of the story is.. Don’t forget what’s important this time of year. Spend time with your family, cherish the little moments, and remember that your furry family members deserve to be celebrated and spoiled too. And spoiling doesn’t cost a thing, because your time is free, but it’s also priceless!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa… whatever you celebrate, we hope it’s full of love and joy and laughter for the whole family!
Thanks for a great year!
Debbie & The MUTTS
11 Comments
Beautiful post! It’s so important we show our fur children how much we love them by spending as much quality time as possible with them. I think the girls are getting spoiled since I’ve retired because I am home a lot more.
The holidays can be so rushed, and it’s easy to forget that our pets are hungering for our love and attention, particularly when visitors are coming and going and life is hectic. One of the times that I set aside each holiday is the day I try to wrap all the gifts. I put on some music and invite the pets to join me on the sofa. They love snuggling close to me and I get a holiday chore done with some great companionship. Once the wrapping is over, we have a little picnic surrounded by the gifts!
I absolutely love your post! Personally I find it quite sad how Christmas is mostly about presents, how much you can spend and needing to have and buy the latest. That rings true for pets as well doesn’t it? Your suggestions on what a dog really wants for Christmas is bang on and brilliant. The truth is humans would benefit from your recommendations as well!
It is so true as I always say to the kids money cannot buy the memories and happiness you have with your family as material things come and go but that love, fun and memories stay. Happy Holidays
Mr. N really wants to go for an off-leash hike and just run around like a maniac for a few hours. I’ve promised him after Christmas, we’ll try to go with some friends. It’s his favorite.
This is such an important thing to remember as we move through the holidays! We always make sure to snuggle extra with ours this time of year, and if weather permits we’ll hike in a new place too!
Oh my gosh, your dogs are SO cute! I agree with you, all our dog Molly wants is love, attention, and long walks with us. She is so easy to please and we love our sweet Molly so much.
I think you are absolutely right! My dogs love treats, walks, and snuggling, in no particular order.
What a lovely post and a timely one for dog owners who really need to get out of the house when its winter.
Merry Christmas!
OMD, you’re so right, all they want for Christmas is to be with US! It’s the greatest gift we can give them amidst the hectic shopping, cooking, visiting, entertaining, and going to special events. Thanks for a great reminder. I love your holiday blog header, what an adorable photo!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
YES! Absolutely. The thing they appreciate the most is TIME. Time with their family, time outside, time when they are included or even time when others include themselves on their dog’s activities. Cookie and I go bunny tracking 🙂