We’re already well into December, and it is officially the holiday season! I get so excited for this time of year. The holiday season always seems to lift my spirits a little higher, and I love to gather with my loved ones. I have to say I have a pretty pawsome family, which of course, includes all of you!!
To help make the most of this joyous time, I’ve put together some fun ideas for you and your pet to do this holiday season!
- Watch a pet themed Christmas movie – which one is your favorite?
- Because cookies aren’t just for Santa…. Make these pup-safe apple-cranberry Christmas cookies. Recipe credit from https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/dog-safe-christmas-cookie-recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen cranberries
- ½ cup plain applesauce
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (you can substitute any flour)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Microwave the applesauce and frozen cranberries together until thawed. This will give your cookies a light red coloring.
- Pulse the fruit mixture and dried cranberries in the food processor until combined.
- Pulse in the rolled oats and flour, then add the eggs and coconut oil until a dough forms.
- Work the dough on a floured board, adding more flour as necessary.
- Roll out dough to about ¼ of an inch thick and cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters or a small knife.
- Bake for 20 minutes and let cool completely before serving.
- Make a snowman family – and don’t forget your pet!
- Take a walk.
- Make an ornament – there are many ways to get creative with this one. Here is a recipe from https://www.petco.com/diy-paw-print-ornament.html on this DIY pawprint ornament made out of salt dough. Just be extremely careful not to let your pet eat it!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup salt
- 2 ½ cup white flour
- ½ cup water
Supplies:
- Scissors
- Wax paper
- Cookie cutters (large enough to fit a paw)
- Twine or ribbon
- Glitter
- Rolling pin
- Mod Podge
- Straw
- Foam paint brush
Paw Print Ornament Directions:
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
- Combine all ingredients into a bowl and mix with hands.
- Take dough mix and place it on flour covered wax paper and roll out the dough. You may need to add flour as you’re rolling. Be sure to put flour on the rolling pin so the dough doesn’t stick to it.
- Take a cookie cutter and cut out how many ornaments you want to make.
- Use a straw to make a hole on top of each ornament.
- Place in the oven for 2-3 hours.
- Allow to cool and apply Mod Podge with a foam paint brush. Next, apply the glitter to the indents of the paw.
- Put twine or ribbon through the hole and hang it on the tree!
Central Ohio has all kinds of Holiday activities in every city and town! Check with your community and see what kid and pet-friendly holiday events are upcoming. YVV enjoys visiting with Santa, and another favorite is driving around our local neighborhoods and checking out all the beautiful lights and decorations. So much to do, so much to see, so much fun!
Everyone here at YVV would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday! Enjoy this season’s gatherings and time with family and friends. Stay safe and warm as we welcome this New Year! May 2022 bring you and your family many blessings and pure joy!
Dug the Dog
YVV Mascot
