How to Cope with Pet Loss During the Holidays (Without Letting Go of the Love)
The holiday season is usually filled with light, warmth, and togetherness—but when you've recently lost a beloved pet, it can feel anything but joyful. The cozy traditions that once made your heart full—paw prints in the snow, a tail wagging during gift wrap chaos, their spot by the fireplace—suddenly feel quieter, colder.
Getting through the first holiday without them is hard. But there are gentle, meaningful ways to honor their memory and bring a little comfort to your season.
💔 Acknowledge That It’s Hard
Grief doesn’t take time off—especially during the holidays. If you're feeling the weight of their absence, it’s okay. Let yourself feel the sadness, the longing, even the love that still lingers. There’s no “right” way to grieve, and pretending to be okay doesn’t help. Just be kind to yourself. You're doing your best.
🎄 Include Their Memory in Holiday Traditions
It might feel strange at first, but weaving your pet’s memory into your holiday can be incredibly healing. Here are a few ways people honor the pets they’ve lost:
Hang a Tribute Ornament
A paw print ornament, a photo framed with ribbon, or a stocking with their name on it can bring a sense of closeness during the holidays.
Light a Candle for Them
Many people choose to light a candle in memory of a pet during dinner or while opening presents. It’s a simple ritual that says: You are still here, in some way.
Tell Their Story
Set aside a moment to share memories. You’d be surprised how comforting it can be to hear your family laugh (and cry) about the little things your pet used to do.
🔁 Start a New Ritual in Their Honor
When familiar traditions feel too painful, try creating new ones with your pet in mind. These don’t have to be big—they just have to feel meaningful.
Give Back in Their Name
Donate pet food or supplies to a local shelter. Volunteer at a rescue. Or sponsor an animal in need. Turning grief into kindness is one of the most powerful ways to carry their love forward.
Keep Something Tangible
A small keepsake—like a piece of jewelry with their name, or a custom stuffed animal made in their likeness—can offer real comfort. It’s not about replacing them. It’s about remembering them in a way you can hold.
🤝 Let Yourself Be Supported
Holidays can make grief feel even lonelier, especially when everyone else seems to be celebrating. You don’t have to carry this alone.
Join a Pet Loss Support Group
Online and in-person communities offer space to talk openly about your grief with people who get it.
Talk to Someone
Grief counseling, especially from someone who understands pet loss, can be incredibly grounding. There’s no shame in needing a little extra help.
💬 Practice Gentle Self-Compassion
Maybe this holiday won’t look like the ones before—and that’s okay. If it’s easier to stay in, do that. If you want to skip the big meal or go for a walk alone, give yourself that grace. Grief is personal. So is healing.
The truth is, you don’t “get over” a pet you loved like family. But you do learn how to carry their memory forward. And in those quiet, intentional moments—when you light a candle or whisper their name—you’ll feel it:
That love didn’t go anywhere. It’s still here. Just softer now.