If your pet could write a letter to Santa, I doubt they’d ask for a new toy, sweater, or even those fancy holiday treats shaped like snowmen. They’d probably ask for something much simpler—like for you to stop moving their bed, lighting up strange objects in the living room, and inviting people over who keep calling them “Fluffy” when their name is clearly Max.

We love the holidays for the hustle, gatherings, laughter, lights, and full houses. But for our pets, it can feel like someone rearranged the universe without asking their opinion. Furniture gets moved. Suitcases appear. Relatives arrive. Doors open and close. Music gets louder. Schedules get later. Dinner smells change—sometimes for the better, sometimes… not so much.

Remember, pets don’t understand holidays. They understand routines.

So, when things start shifting—trees in living rooms, noisy doorbells, kids running around with wrapping paper stuck to their shoes—pets react in very normal ways. Some cling to us like Velcro. Some vanish under the bed until the New Year. And some—especially kittens and puppies—help us discover that ribbon, tinsel, and ornament hooks are not just decorations but also emergency vet visits waiting to happen.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t decorate or celebrate. Just remember to give your pet their own version of holiday comfort:

  • Keep one room quiet and clutter-free—a little retreat when the festivities get too festive.

  • Use their regular bed, toys, and blankets, because familiar smells reassure them more than you know.

  • Try to keep feeding and walking schedules consistent. Yes, even when you’re busy basting the turkey.

But there’s one more thing pets want during the holidays—something no cozy corner, scented candle, or calming treat can replace.

They still want you.

Not the hurried, “I’ll walk you when I finish wrapping gifts” version of you. Not the “just be good for one more hour” version. They want the present, calm, sit-down-and-scratch-my-ear version.

The good news? Pets don’t need all your time—they just need some intentional time.

Five minutes of undistracted ear scratching. A slow, snowy walk (before the driveway gets crowded with cars). A quiet evening on the couch after guests leave and dishes are piled high in the sink.

Because while we measure holidays by what we gave, cooked, hosted, or wrapped, our pets remember holidays in a much simpler way.

They remember who sat with them.
Who kept their routine.
Who made them feel safe when the world got busy and loud.

So this year, amid the lights and lists, give your pet three little gifts:

🎁 A safe, quiet space when they need a break
🎁 Their regular routine (or as close as you can manage)
🎁 Your calm, loving presence

Because when the decorations come down, and life goes back to normal, your pet won’t remember what was under the tree or near the menorah.

But they will remember who curled up beside it.

Originally appeared on CathyRosenthal.com | Best ways to manage holiday stress for pets

Cathy M. Rosenthal is a seasoned animal advocate, author, and syndicated pet columnist with over 35 years of experience in the animal welfare field. To learn more, visit CathyRosenthal.com, or connect directly through Spay Neuter Network by sending your pet questions to her at Cathy@spayneuternet.org.