As soon as Halloween ends, Christmas cheer floods the streets and shops. Trees are wrapped in lights, all things Christmas overtake the grocery stores, and retailers put out some of the best deals they'll have all year.
For some of us, it's simply too early to feel the holiday cheer. However, it's hard to see a sweet puppy in a Santa hat and not feel an ounce of pure joy. If anything can get you into the happy-go-lucky mood of the most wonderful time of the year, it's a costumed pet. Here are some of the most charming photos of pets in their Christmas finest.
Not A Merry Christmas
This cat does not look very happy about being in a miniature Santa hat, but it sure does look cute! The straight face may be what adds to the irresistibility of this photo. The contrast of the cat's facial expression with the Muppets' expressions is priceless.
At first glance, the cat almost looks like a stuffed animal amongst a pile of Christmas toys. Then you see those penetrating eyes and realize that this kitty is not feeling the holiday cheer.
Magically Obedient
These pets almost look as though they're under a spell. The dogs are all gazing hypnotically at the camera lens while the cat squeezes its eyes shut, yet still remains in the perfect position. Anyone with pets knows the challenge of taking a photograph like this.
Even if the owner was holding a treat right over the camera, commanding the dogs to lie like that, it doesn't explain the cat's behavior or how they had the patience to wait for the photo to be taken. They're all lined up like perfect, little Christmas burritos.
This Dog Is Over It
This sweet dog looks as though it could care less about what's on its head. You would expect a dog to go crazy with something on its ears. Many dogs would rub their head against anything in an attempt to get those earmuffs off.
Not this pooch, though. That spastic behavior is for puppies. This wise dog knows the routine, and is okay with it. After all, the holidays are treat season and playing a bit of dress-up is a pretty fair trade.
Call Me Judy Garland
This cat has an air of poise about it that reminds us of the actress Judy Garland. On second thought, maybe it's just the shimmering garland around its neck. Between that and the bright elf t-shirt, we're convinced this cat is past the point of caring.
Just look at its posture. The animal isn't just sitting like a human, but like a lazy human. Its tail is weaving through its flopped-open legs and its paws are hung nonchalantly. Aren't cats supposed to go crazy over things like garland? Apparently, this one has gotten over the hype.
The Most Gentlemanly Dog
This stoic-looking dog looks all dapper in his Ho! Ho! Ho! bowtie. There's something endearing about a red bowtie that is all the more seasonal when you put it on your pet. This dog has such a look of purpose in its gaze that we're fairly confident there's a treat waiting on the other side of the camera.
If you look closely, you can also see that its brows are slightly raised, as though it's pleading to just be given the treat already. All of its patience is precisely what will land this stud on the nice list.
A Fur Coat Over A Fur Coat
This pup doesn't seem too bothered at all by its red, Santa-inspired coat. That's probably because the material looks nearly as soft as the dog's fur looks. Especially if the owners are expecting a white Christmas, that Santa coat may be welcomed by the little lad.
All this dog needs now is a Santa hat and he'll be ready to steal the attention of all the holiday guests. Then again, the hat might be a nuisance to pointy ears, muffling the sound of the crackling fireplace and jingle bells.
Christmas Fear
Instead of Christmas cheer, this dog seems to be experiencing a bout of Christmas fear. Apparently, the owner put on an antler headband on the pet's head, and this is how it responded to the unfamiliar pressure on its skull.
To be fair, headbands aren't always comfortable. They tug on the skin and can feel like they're pulling your forehead back. This Christmas dog may be trying to communicate what is going on with its head, as though the people watching don't already know.
Santa Paws
These cat costumes are brilliant because they give the illusion that their front paws are tiny, little human legs. It appears that this fuzzy little Santa Claus was just taking a leisurely stroll around the living room and decided to stop and pose for the camera.
He is handling himself really well considering that he's even wearing a hat and beard. Good kitty, go collect your Christmas cookies. You earned them.
Dreaming Of A White Christmas
This pup looks as though it's daydreaming about Christmas. The Santa hat over one ear and off to the side may be even more adorable than the ones that are placed in the center of the dog's head.
The dog looks even more ready for the holidays due to its gorgeous coat, and we don't mean its fur. That jacket looks comfortable enough to put a baby in. The red lining of the jacket adds a touch of holiday cheer.
All I Want For Christmas Is A Dog
Like many great gifts, this bulldog is laced up with ribbon. The simple bowtie knot around its neck adds all of the holiday cheer without the holiday price. Rather than going out and getting a costume for your pet, you may as well get creative with the materials you already have.
That being said, a heavier dog like this would be less likely to need a coat in winter that the tiny ones we've seen in holiday coats. The ribbon idea is a Christmas look convenient for dogs who don't like getting all dressed up.
Christmas Twinsies
For those who have multiple pets, what could be more exciting than dressing them both up in matching outfits? These Christmas coats are ideal because they aren't as over-the-top as some of the other items people but their animals in.
One of the coats is red and white in honor of Santa Claus, while the other is red and green for the colors of Christmas. While the jackets go together, they don't perfectly match so each dog has its own unique look.
Christmas Tree Bulldog
The Christmas tree called and it wants its ornaments back! In all seriousness, this owner got extremely innovative with this pet's costume. The bulldog is dressed in a silky, green fabric into which green tulle has been sewn.
From there, they somehow managed to secure golden bows and colorful ornaments into the outfit so that it looks like a Christmas tree. And in case you didn't get it, the dog also has a Christmas tree headband on its head.
When In Doubt, Throw A Wreath On It
This is one way to get your pet holiday-ready. In all honesty, the owner probably didn't have anything on hand to make the dog look festive and just grabbed the wreath off the door for a quick picture. Nothing wrong with that!
We're surprised the dog appears not to mind, considering how uncomfortable wreath material is. Even the fake ones can be pokey and bothersome. However, it did make for a cute holiday photo, and at the end of the day, you know that dog earned a treat.
Mrs. Claus Has Never Been Cuter
While everyone else was dressing their dog as Santa Claus, this pet owner did the smart things and dressed theirs up like Mrs. Claus. The Santa hat is wisely attached to the back of the dog's collar, preventing it from easily falling off or bothering the dog.
The dress lays on top of the dog's back and is secured with straps that run under its belly. The skirt is made extra flashy with red tulle that has silver stars all over it. All in all, this outfit takes the cake for style and comfort.
Sometimes Pets Really Do Look Like Their Owners
We don't know for sure that this cat's owner has red hair or that she wears it in braids, but it wouldn't be that shocking if she did. There's something odd and hilarious about making a pet look like a human.
Regardless of the inspiration, the outfit certainly has a touch of Christmas flair to it. The red cap is covered in sequins and has some sort of ornament on it for the sake of being festive. The fake, red hair braids are secured with red bows to hint at holiday cheer.
Santa's Little Helper
Even though this tiny dog is wearing a Santa hat, its cute little face makes it look more like Santa's little helper than the jolly old Saint Nick himself. Everything about this photo looks soft and cozy, just like the holidays should be.
There's something about seeing a puppy resting on a soft surface that makes you just want to snuggle. Warmth, hugs, and all things cozy are what the holidays should be about, and Christmas pets are good reminders of that.
Christmas In Spring?
The owner did a great job with this dog's headpiece. It appears to have a bow at the bottom, followed by a small Santa face, out of which antlers emerge. That pretty much hits all of the marks right there.
However, what's going on with the dress? The silky clothing is covered in flowers and is in a minty green color-- all clearly Spring fashion. Don't think that splash of red fabric is fooling anyone. This holiday outfit seems a little bit confused.
Santa Snuggle Buddy
This dog jacket took the Santa look to a whole new level by incorporating the trademark Santa belt into it. The piece also wraps around the majority of the dog, rather than just its arms and the top half of its body.
Of all of the doggy Santa outfits, this one may be the best so far. It's cozy for the dog and keeps it warm. Also adding to the holiday spirit of this photo are the cookies sitting next to the dog, as though they were left for Santa.
Divine Santa
Everything about this photograph screams "divine." The dog is sitting in front of an open fire on a soft and sleek stool. Its fur looks shiny and as fine as human hair. Its Santa hat is perfectly placed on the center of its head and flopped over just so.
On top of all of that, it's scarf matches great with the hat and is crossed and secured so it isn't falling off. This is the kind of dog you'd envision in the lap of a movie narrator as they take us through tales of Christmas.
Rudolph Lost His Red Nose
These giant red Rudolph antlers are nearly as big as the dog wearing them! The felt fabric ensures comfort while the bright color makes them a total standout. While many antler headbands are small, this one steals the show.
The adorable pup doesn't look too excited to be wearing the headband, which seems to be across the board unfavored by pets. It's a good thing the owner didn't try to get a red nose on the poor fella.
