The festive season is here! Beautiful lights around us, merry songs tickling our ears, and joy in the air. It's high time to spend the holidays with your family and yes that means with your pets, too! There are so many ways to make the holidays extra special for you and your pets. Aside from giving them perfectly wrapped presents, you can keep your pets a part of the holiday festivities by keeping them engaged in fun activities! There are several ways to make the festive season memorable for you and your furbaby.  Don't let the hustle and bustle of the holidays keep you from spending time with your pets. Remember that just like us pets need social interactions as well.

1 Christmas Photo

Whether you already do this as a tradition or haven't done yet (ever), getting your family holiday photo should be one of the activities you should do this holiday. It is not only cute, but a precious way to preserve memories with your family. You can dress up your pet in a fun festive costume or create a cool backdrop at home and start taking pictures using a self-timer. If you want to take it up a notch going to a photo studio is also an option!' [caption id="attachment_10952" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photo by Jenna Hamra from Pexels[/caption]

2 Holiday walk/drive

Before the family get together or Christmas eve feast, a quick walk around the neighbourhood is always a good form of bonding! Aside from getting some fresh air and exercise, you and your pet and enjoy the beautiful view this festive season has brought. Taking your dogs out to walk can also be a great way to keep them active and help them relax for the parties, loud music, and fireworks. 

3 Make a delicious treat

While you are making Christmas food and baking goodies make one for your pets too! There are tons of gourmet food you can make for your pets so they can also eat together with you and the rest of the family. Opt for biscuits and cookies that are pet-friendly so you can be munching on the same thing with your pets during the feast. [caption id="attachment_10857" align="aligncenter" width="604"] Photo by Gabriel on Unsplash[/caption]

4 Petmas Party

Plan a party and gather up your pet's furry pals! This is such a good idea for a holiday activity that involves a playdate for your furbaby. A simple holiday picnic at the park or a mini party in your house and throw in a little exchanging gifts for your pets while you are at it. Prepare individual treats and costumes too! You can make it as small as you want and elaborate. Plan out a program that is pet-friendly. You may set up games and tricks that your pets love to do. It's all up to you! [caption id="attachment_10858" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash[/caption]

5 Make an ornament for your pet + pet stocking

What are a holiday without some festive ornaments and colourful decors around the house? By now you may have your trees up and lights hung. Celebrate with your pet by adding some details that represent them. You could also hang a stocking with their photo and/or name on it and fill it with treats and small gifts they will surely enjoy. It's very easy to DIY a photo or name ornament for your pet.  [caption id="attachment_10951" align="aligncenter" width="611"] Image by skeeze from Pixabay[/caption]

6 Binge-watch Holiday movies

Pets enjoy watching the TV as much as we do so play some good Christmas movies to lift the festive spirit some more! While eating the festive treats you made, you can sit back and relax and wait for the clock to struck midnight while you have your pet on your lap. You can just stay at home during the holidays cuddling and watching holiday or pet movies! There are tons of dog movies you can choose from on Netflix as well as Christmas-related ones!

7 Help your furry friend help others

If you want to do something extra and fulfilling to the soul, visiting pet-friendly hospitals and checking on patients can be a next-level holiday activity you and your pet and do! Help boost patients well-being through pet-assisted therapy. Just like at Ang Mo Kio-Thye Hua Kwan Hospital, six animals were volunteered by their pet parents help dementia patients and those with other cognitive problems. There have been several documented cases that animals can help improve or promote the health of people especially sick patients. Why not extend a paw and help other people this holiday? It'll be a refreshing and heart-warming way to celebrate the holidays! For this you may contact any animal volunteer group regarding the volunteering your pet.