Your Pet’s Pocket Guide to a Calm Holiday Season
The holidays don’t always feel simple…
This season can be beautiful and touching. On the other hand, these days can also be overwhelming, emotional, and tiring. This is especially true for those of us who are sensitive, empathetic, and attuned to the people and animals in our lives. If your energy feels depleted, it’s often because you give a lot of yourself to others.
Also, December pulls us in many ways. There are colorful, sparkling lights and delicious treats. Yet, there’s also noise, expectations, and tender feelings that rise to the surface.
With all this in mind, I’ve curated inspiration to support you and your pet during the holidays. A gentle reminder to you that comfort, connection, and rest are allowed.
Let your pet lead the way this season. You’ll find small ways to slow down, soothe your nervous system, and notice magic that’s already there. You and your pet are moving through these days together, one moment at a time.
Find Calm the Way Your Pet Does
Your Pet’s Wisdom: “Come back to your senses to feel present.”
Your senses are soothing in anxious moments: We can co-regulate with our pets, which helps us feel safe within our own bodies and back to the present moment. Try this…
Run your fingers through your pet’s fur
Feel the rise and fall of your pet’s breathing
Listen to their natural sounds… the sighs, purrs and grumbly contentment.
Watch the way your pet’s ears flick toward distant noises. You might even notice how their eyes look when they feel soothed.
These tiny sensory moments regulate your body more than you might realize. Your pet is a grounding place you can return to anytime. Your animal is a warm reminder to move from overwhelm into presence.
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Your Pet’s Wisdom: “When everything feels too noisy, go somewhere quiet and settle your body.”
You can step away when it’s too much: Pets are more like us than we often realize. They can also feel overstimulated — especially during busy, high-energy times like the holidays. When a home becomes too hectic, many animals naturally retreat to a quieter space. They don’t force themselves to stay when something feels uncomfortable. Instead, they step away, curl up somewhere warm, and protect their energy.
Our animals show us that it’s okay to take time to reset (like Boudica!).
You can do the same this holiday season. If your energy spikes or your thoughts start to buzz, slip into another room or a quiet corner. Close your eyes for a moment. Let your nervous system settle, gradually — as your pet models for you.
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Your Pet’s Wisdom: “There’s new things to notice and explore. Let’s enjoy it all together.”
You can make lasting memories with little moments: The holidays and month of December transforms our homes in little enchanting ways. Each household has their own traditions of course. In any case, this time of year has a different feel than other months of the year. There may be lights, sparkles, greenery, cozy scents and special foods.
Our pets notice all of these seasonal changes. To them, the holidays give new opportunities to explore, reconnecting with favorite spots from the last holiday season and creating loving memories with you.
We can join in with our animals by feeling curious and even a little bit playful:
✨Admiring the glow of a strand of lights.
✨Pausing to breathe in cinnamon, pine, or something warm from the oven.
✨Let your eyes linger on the details that only appear in December.
The magic of the season isn’t something you create. It’s what you notice and savor.
Simple Ways to Create Memories with Your Pet
Cozy, inexpensive and joyful moments that bring you closer.
When you’re doing something special for your pet, you’re also caring for yourself too.
Your attention naturally changes to the present moment when you take time to do something a little different.
Your hands are busy, your senses engage, and your nervous system begins to settle. As you do these things for your pet, the experience becomes even more grounding. You’re creating from the heart and sharing time together.
In doing something loving for your pet, you’re also giving yourself moments of relaxation — something you both can enjoy.
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Your Pet’s Wisdom: “Time with you is my favorite tradition.”
What this means for you and your pet: Shared moments don’t need to be elaborate or even cost money to be meaningful.
Here are gentle, easy ways to create holiday memories that feel warm and connected:
A Cozy Spot Beneath the Tree
Some pets claim the space under the tree like it’s their personal holiday haven. Does your pet do this? Chewy loved the Christmas tree so much he became a “living present” underneath it. He looked forward to me setting it up for him, along with his cozy blanket that I wrapped around the base of the tree. He napped under there each day. I’m so glad we had this holiday ritual. I have continued this tradition, even after his passing.
You can create a soft space this season for your pet:
Putting a folded blanket in a warm space
Placing a comfy bed in a spot away from the noise
In a quiet corner near the lights
These simple acts of love can create beautiful memories with your pet (and also darling photos that you’ll cherish year after year).
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Delightful DIY Gifts
You don’t need to buy anything fancy or anything at all. Your pet will adore something made with love. They feel your heart energy.
For Cats:
❤️Treat Pyramid: Toilet paper rolls glued into a little puzzle for hiding treats (video tutorial).
❤️Crinkle Wand: Tie leftover wrapping paper (no tape) to a string for instant joy.
❤️DIY Toy Box: Hang toys from a box to entertain your cats for hours… and no treats needed! (video tutorial)
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For Dogs:
❤️Braided Tug Toy: Old T-shirts become an excellent holiday rope and provide your pup with activity (especially on rainy days).
❤️Pumpkin or peanut butter dog “cookies”: Your home smells amazing and your dog think it’s the best day ever.
Easy Peanut Butter Dog Treats (PB without the xylitol/birch sugar of course)
Pumpkin Dog Treats
❤️Scent Adventure: Hide treats or scents around a safe area for a holiday “sniffari” (fun ideas on this site & safe scent options).
For Any Pet:
A Simple Box: No explanation needed. If they fit, they sit. And they will fit.
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Bird Watching Station (“Winter TV”)
Hang a pine cone rolled in peanut butter and birdseed outside a window. You can also fill a muffin tin with seeds. This becomes hours of enrichment for them and a peaceful viewing experience for you.
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Seasonal Strolls & Light Watching
If you and your pet feel comfortable:
Take a dusk walk to look at holiday lights
Go for a stroller ride for a curious and adventurous cat
Sit by the window together and watch the neighborhood glow
These little moments engage your senses and create special moments for your pet.
Create a Cozy Evening Ritual
Every night of December, take 5–10 minutes to sit with your pet. You can snuggle in a warm blanket and slow down your breathing together. Create a soothing environment in a way that feels good to you — with instrumental music in the background, a flame-free candle nearby or in the simplest way possible. This gentle ritual becomes the anchor of your holiday season.
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A December Photo Tradition
Take a candid photo of your pet each holiday season — nothing posed, just them being their cozy, curious, December selves. Over time, these become a timeline of love.
What Your Pet Most Wants You to Remember
“You don’t have to make the holidays perfect. Be present with me.”
They appreciate moments of play, presence, and connection.
Your pet knows how to go through this season. By staying close to them, you’re reminded that rest is allowed and joy can be simple. You’ll find that comfort is something you can return to again and again.
Wishing this season meets you gently, and that you and your pet find your own quiet rhythm — one soft moment at a time.
Warmly,
Angela
Animal Communicator & Cat Mama
P.S. Animal communication sessions are available if you’re seeking a holiday gift rooted in connection and care. Learn more on my website. 🎁
P.S.S. Thank you, Hannah Bay, for all of your beautiful pocket guides for each season. You inspired me to create this one! 💗
