The holidays are meant to be joyful, but deep in your heart, you may be missing a beloved pet who has passed or is about to pass. Our pets mark the seasons of our lives, don’t they? They’re woven into traditions, routines, and memories in ways that are impossible to separate.
This post is for anyone moving through the holidays with an aging or ill pet, or carrying the quiet ache of a pet who is no longer here. I want to share two personal stories from my own home: what helped me through our dog’s last Christmas, and what’s helping prepare us for our cat’s last Christmas. I want to spoil him and make it as meaningful as possible for him and us.
Last Christmas With My Dog
For those of you missing your companion, I’m right there with you. Last year was our dog’s final Christmas with us.
At the time, we didn’t know it would be her last, but looking back, it was perfect in its simplicity. She didn’t need grand gestures. What mattered most was being near us, feeling safe, and soaking in the calm moments between the noise of the season.
That Christmas was about:
- Extra time on the couch, wrapped in cozy blankets
- Letting her rip into all the wrapping and boxes and watching her with a smile
- Dog-safe holiday treats that made her feel included
- Taking photos, even when the day felt ordinary
Those images and memories now mean everything.
I later wrote a tribute to her, honoring the life we shared and the love he gave so freely:
🔗Baby’s Tribute: Remembering Our Best Friend
If you’re walking through the holidays with a senior dog, please enjoy them to the fullest!
If I could go back, and I knew that would be her last Christmas, I’d:
- Take time away from work (even if I’m busy)
- Make a list of what makes her happy and do those things more often
- Get a second opinion from the vet
- Ask for help (more on that below)
- Get her paw print and nose print when she’s healthy
What can I do now to remember her and keep her part of the season and traditions?
I can:
- Get a special pet memorial candle with her name on it and light that
- Hang a personalized pet ornament with her name on it
- Talk about her and memories of her
Speaking of these things, I will be making a note of these as we do have a heads up that this will be our last Christmas with our kitty.
My Cat’s Last Christmas: Spoiling Our Cat With Love
This year, Christmas looks a little different.
Our cat is living with a lung mass and renal failure. We were told he would likely not make it past November, yet here he is, still surprising us, still present, still very much himself. That makes this season feel especially sacred.
So how do you spoil a cat when you know time is precious?
You focus on comfort. You slow down. You let love lead.
Here’s how we’re making this Christmas special for him:
Comfort First
- Warm, cozy beds placed in sunny, familiar spots
- Quiet spaces near the tree so he can be part of things without overwhelm
- Soft lighting and simple, safe decorations
Gentle Indulgences
- Small portions of cat-safe favorites like freeze-dried salmon
- Lots of new toys: boxes with packing paper
- His own live, fresh Christmas tree and lots of soft ornaments to knock down
Memory-Making Moments
- Short, calm play sessions when he has the energy
- Being home to enjoy slow evenings together, listening to his purr
- Photos of him in his favorite spots and of his details (paw, whiskers)
This isn’t about doing more though; it’s about being fully present in what time we DO have left. If you need more ideas, see this article on bucket list ideas for a cat.
Pet Loss Grief Is Valid
There was a season in my life when I lost a close friend and two of my beloved pets within days of each other. The grief was layered and disorienting, and it taught me something important: pet loss often overlaps with other losses, responsibilities, and expectations to “hold it together.”
If the holidays feel heavier than usual: if joy and sorrow are sitting side by side, there is nothing wrong with you. Pet loss grief is valid and you deserve to take good care of yourself.
I’ve shared additional, gentle grief-support ideas in a past post that explores non-traditional ways of coping when your heart feels stretched too thin:
🔗 Alternative Resources for Getting Through Pet Loss & Grief Support
Pet Loss & Grief Support (You’re Not Alone)
If you’re facing anticipatory grief (stressed knowing pet loss is coming soon) or navigating the loss of a beloved pet that has passed already, compassionate support can make a real difference.
Lap of Love offers free and accessible pet-loss support, including:
- Virtual pet loss support groups
- Anticipatory grief resources
- Support for families and children
- Community-based guidance led by trained professionals
You can explore their pet loss support resources here:
🔗 https://www.lapoflove.com/pet-loss-support-resources
Especially during the holidays, having a place to land emotionally is so helpful.
How To Make Your Pet’s Last Christmas The Best
Whether this Christmas is about remembering a pet who is deeply missed, cherishing the time you still have, or holding both at once, I truly hope you move through the season with tenderness toward yourself.
Presence is the gift.
Love is the legacy.
And every shared moment matters!
Thank you for being here, and for loving your pets so deeply. With Care, Mandi (Pet Portrait Artist) 🔗 https://greyboypetportraits.com/shop/
