The holiday season, while filled with joy and celebration, can also bring a profound sense of loss for those who have recently said goodbye to a cherished pet. This Christmas marks ten years since we’ve been without our beloved dog, Kota. As the holidays approach, we want to share some personal and comforting ways we are honoring her memory, in hopes that these ideas might offer solace and inspiration to you as you navigate the festivities without your furry family member.
For many of us, pets are not just animals; they are integral parts of our families, leaving paw prints on our hearts that last a lifetime. Losing them, especially during a time typically focused on togetherness, can be exceptionally challenging. The memories are vivid, and the silence where their happy barks or gentle purrs once were can be deafening. This is why finding meaningful ways to acknowledge their presence and impact is so important.
One of the most touching ways to keep your pet’s memory alive is through a personalized ornament. Consider creating a special ornament for your Christmas tree. Select a favorite photograph that captures your pet’s unique spirit – perhaps a candid shot from a past winter or a joyful moment that always brings a smile. If you have a printed photo, you can easily turn it into an ornament by cutting it out, pasting it onto a decorative piece of paper, punching a hole, and threading a festive ribbon through it. For those with artistic flair, painting a portrait or simply writing your pet’s name can add an even more personal touch, serving as a beautiful reminder each time you look at your tree.
Continuing traditions can also be a powerful way to honor your pet. Did you traditionally hang a stocking for your pet on Christmas Eve? There’s no reason to stop. Keeping this ritual alive can provide a sense of continuity and comfort. Pet loss grief counselor Beth Bigler of Honoring Our Animals shared a poignant idea: fill your pet’s stocking with small notes detailing happy memories. On Christmas Day, reading these notes together can evoke cherished moments and celebrate the joy your pet brought into your life. This practice is a wonderful way to actively recall and share the happiness your companion provided.
For some, a more permanent tribute might feel right. Tattoos have become a meaningful way for many to memorialize their pets. My husband and I chose this path, getting tattoos to honor Kota. After researching and admiring the work of artist Cesar Perez of Creative Ink in Keene, NH, we decided he was the perfect choice to capture Kota’s likeness. The process itself, though lengthy, was a shared experience and a deeply personal gift to ourselves, a constant reminder of our love for her. The result was overwhelming, bringing tears of happiness and a piece of art that I can carry with me always.
Another heartfelt idea, also inspired by Beth Bigler, is to purchase a gift in your pet’s name and then donate it to a local animal shelter. I found a beautiful collar from Cody’s Creations that I knew would be perfect for Kota. Beth encouraged me to buy it, emphasizing that donating it would be a wonderful way to honor Kota’s memory and extend her love to another animal in need. This act of kindness transforms personal grief into a positive contribution, helping other animals while keeping your pet’s spirit of love alive.
This act of donating a gift can sometimes lead to further commitment, such as fostering or adopting another animal. Fostering provides a temporary loving home for an animal needing a break from shelter life and acts as a crucial stepping stone to their forever home. While no pet can ever replace another, opening your heart and home again, when you feel ready, can bring a new kind of love and companionship. It’s a profound way to honor the love you received by giving it to another deserving creature. We recently shared our experience fostering a dog named Halo, and the journey has been incredibly rewarding.
Displaying holiday-themed photos of your pet is a simple yet effective way to keep their festive spirit present. Whether it’s a picture of them in a Santa hat, opening gifts, or sporting a cheerful collar, these images can bring warmth and light to your home. Print them, create a collage, or frame them around a doorway. These visual reminders can spark happy memories and laughter, making the holiday season feel a little less empty.
Finally, consider lighting a candle in your pet’s memory. This simple act can be a quiet moment of reflection, a time to share stories and feel a sense of connection. Choose a favorite scent or a candle from a place that holds special memories. Lighting a candle and sharing a memory, whether alone or with loved ones, can offer peace and a profound sense of continued connection to your beloved companion. This holiday season, we’ve chosen a Maple Syrup Candle from Beaver Pond to light in Kota’s honor.
The most important thing during this time is to do what feels right for you. Allow yourself to feel your emotions, whether it’s crying, laughing, or journaling. Some days you might want to stay home, while other days a drive or sharing stories with friends might be more comforting. If you have found other helpful ways to cope, please share them in the comments below. We wrestled with the decision of whether to include Kota on our holiday card, but ultimately decided she was family and deserved to be celebrated.
We hope these ideas offer some comfort as you navigate the holiday season after saying goodbye to your best fur friend.
This post is part of a pet photographer’s blog circle. Next up, Nicole of Pawtraits by Nicole in Las Vegas, Nevada, shares her 5 favorite gift ideas for the senior dog in your life. Merry Christmas!
