Puppies first Christmas
This year, Christmas looked a little different around here. Instead of a quiet house and a predictable routine, we had a house full of puppies experiencing their very first Christmas.
At this age, they have no idea what Christmas actually is, of course. But they do notice the change in energy. The different sounds, the extra people, the decorations, and the shift in routine all become part of their world. And that is exactly what makes this stage so valuable.
We kept things simple and intentional. No overwhelm, no forced interactions, and no chaos for the sake of a photo. Just gentle exposure to a slightly busier environment than normal. Voices in the background, different movement around the house, and new objects appearing and disappearing throughout the day.
The puppies took it all in beautifully. Some were straight in, curious and confident. Others watched quietly from a distance before deciding it was safe. Both responses are completely normal and exactly what you want to see. It is not about pushing them to be bold. It is about giving them the space to process new experiences at their own pace.
There were new textures to walk on, new smells to investigate, and a few carefully chosen Christmas themed toys added to their pen. Nothing flashy, nothing loud, just enough novelty to make the day feel different without tipping into overload.
Maya handled it all like the professional mum she is. She supervised from the sidelines when she felt like it, stepped in when she thought it was needed, and otherwise let the puppies explore their surroundings with confidence.
A puppy’s first Christmas is not about decorations or presents. It is about exposure, experience, and learning that the world can change around them and still be a safe place. That is exactly what this day was for these babies.
It was messy, loud at times, and full of moments that made me stop and smile. Their first Christmas may not be something they remember, but it is absolutely something that will shape how they move through the world later on.