It Isn’t Your Imagination – Our Pets Get Excited for the Holiday Season, too!

Who doesn’t like Christmas? Even Grinch found the true meaning of Christmas at the end of the story. For many humans, Christmas is the best time of the year. It’s a season filled with happiness, family, hugs, lights all over the place, cheesy (and scratchy) Christmas sweaters, presents, delicious food, getting cozy by the fireplace watching classic holiday movies, Christmas songs… and pets.

That’s right – our pets are our faithful companions throughout the whole year, but during the holidays, we get to spend more (special) time with them. And there are reasons to believe some of them enjoy Christmas as much as we do, or even more. Take the example of Grinch’s loyal dog, Max – he may have helped Grinch to steal all Whoville’s Christmas presents, but he was also there to celebrate and embrace Christmas with him.

So, here are four reasons why your pets get excited about the Christmas season, from Viva Pets:

Presents, presents, presents!

Humans love presents – it’s in our nature – but our dogs and cats can love them as much as we do. Whether it’s a state-of-the-art scratching tower for your cat, a squeaky plush toy with vibrant colors for your dog, or even just an old toy from your childhood or a roll of toilet paper, our pets can’t wait to find out what Santa has brought them.

As long as they have wrapping paper to shred and cardboard boxes to hide into, you already made their Christmas night – trust us!

Christmas tree

Cat parents know what we’re talking about – every year, their Christmas tree loses some of its ornaments or may even, in the worst-case scenario, fall to the ground, shattering more decorative pieces on its way. The culprits? Their cats, of course.

Cats are known for being huge fans (or frenemies) of the Christmas tree. Cats do think that the whole concept of the Christmas tree was created to please them. The lights, the brightness, the ornaments, the branches to climb onto… All of these features are key ingredients to make your cat go crazy for the Christmas tree. And they don’t understand why we keep scolding them when they play with it.

But don’t think cats are the only ones who love playing with (and sometimes destroying) a perfectly decorated Christmas tree. Dogs are also big enthusiasts of the green giant in your living room – and can sometimes mistake it for a real tree and leave their mark on it, so be careful.

Snowy bliss

If you live in a country where the Christmas season coexists with the beginning of winter, and the odds of snowing are significant, your Siberian Husky, Samoyed, or Saint Bernard will get even more excited for Christmas time.

A white Christmas means more fun, particularly for these dog breeds, since they can go outside and play in the snow with you.

Quality time with the whole family – aka more affection

Christmas night is famous for having lots of people hanging out at the table, eating, and talking about everything. And that’s the dream for dogs and particularly social cats.

More people means more attention and affection for your pet – especially if those people are your pet’s favorite humans. And although it can also mean a stressful season for those four-legged friends who aren’t big fans of guests or too much noise, your “cuddles enthusiast” will probably love to have the attention of so many jolly humans.

Additionally, you may allow your pet to sleep next to you by the fireplace or go for a cheerful walk with them on Christmas day – these moments of togetherness are what compose the true meaning of Christmas.

Your pet is part of your family, too, so they deserve to spend the Christmas season with the humans they love and cherish so much. And it’s up to you to offer them a Christmas to remember!


Photo Credit: Mariya Zimarina / Shutterstock.com