The holidays are upon us; and how better to get into the spirit than with your best friend?  There are many festive things to do this time of year that can involve your pup. From outside to in and on any budget, here are some ideas for you and your pooch this holiday season.

• Cookie baking day: Have a day where you (and your taste-testing friend) bake a bunch of human and dog-friendly cookies. Just wash the cookie-cutter and use it on your dog biscuit recipe for some festive treats for your pups stocking!
• Christmas light tour: Take a walking tour of all the Christmas lights in your neighborhood. Take some hot chocolate and some treats and enjoy!
• Volunteer: Maybe it’s just wrapping presents or maybe it’s bringing a holiday meal to a family in need; helping out around the holidays is the spirit of the season. Having your pup accompany you can bring a little extra joy to those who need it this year.
• Sledding: Now not every dog may enjoy speeding down a mountain on a sled, but he may enjoy chasing you the whole way down! Have a sledding race together, then come in and enjoy some of those cookies/biscuits you made earlier!
• Holiday movie marathon: One a particularly cold day, snuggle in under a warm blanket with your favorite snacks and watch your favorite holiday movies together.
• Ugly sweater party: Have a pooch-friendly ugly sweater party and dress-up in matching knits. This will make for a great time, and great photos.
• Go caroling: This is a perfectly festive and fun thing to do and your pup can accompany you and howl along.
• Snowball fight: For any dog that likes to chase balls, this is the perfect activity to keep him busy (and hydrated) in the snow!

Enjoy these festive holiday activities and have a wonderful holiday with your pup.