How to make your own pet memorial Christmas Tree ornament

Christmas can be a very emotive season at the best of times but when you are grieving for your pet or companion animal, it can also be incredibly sad and heart breaking. You might have fond memories of the antics your pet got up to at this time of year. Perhaps your cat liked to climb the Christmas tree or your dog loved to watch you cook, hoping for delicious morsels to fall onto the ground to be gobbled up. You might have bought presents for your pet or curled up with them on the sofa watching a Christmas movie, feeling comforted by their warmth and presence.

Our family dog Sheba used to love getting into her presents, getting very excited at what goodies awaited her. It was joyful part of our family Christmases.

Charlie, my beautiful cat, used to sit underneath the Christmas tree and have a little nap. She was very good and wouldn’t touch any of the baubles or other tree decorations.

Whatever your Christmas memories of your pet, remembering them can feel painful and upsetting but it can also be bittersweet.

I often talk about continuing bonds in therapy with clients, which simply means that the bond you have with your pet does not get broken when they die, instead it continues and I dare say will always be with you. With this in mind, doing things in memory of your pet or companion animal can be comforting. I have previously talked about making a memory box, creating a corner in your home where you might like to put your favourite picture of your pet alongside their ashes (if you have them) or any other cherished items.

It’s important to remember though that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, so please just do whatever feels right for you.

As it is officially winter, I thought I would share how you can make a simple Christmas tree ornament in memory of your pet.

I did this myself last year for Charlie and found it to be a soothing activity and comforting.

How to make your own pet memorial Christmas tree ornament

Step 1- find a base - this could be a wooden or ceramic shape or you can get a sheet of felt and cut out shapes yourself. I used a plain, wooden heart. Make sure that your shape either has a pre-cut hole at the top for hanging or make your own.

I used a wooden heart

Step 2 - decide how you would like to decorate your ornament. You might like to paint or decoupage your ornament. Once this is done, you might want to write your pet’s name or a little memorial message or quote.

Step 3 - add any extra embellishments or decorations. You might want to add glitter or stickers or other bits and pieces. Be as creative as you like.

I added a white feather that I found in our garden and some glitter to give my decoration a little bit of sparkle. It looks lovely in the soft light of the fairly lights that are draped around the Christmas tree.

My finished Christmas Tree ornament

Step 4 - add a ribbon or string for hanging.

I hope you find this to be a soothing and comforting activity. Feel free to share your decoration if you do give this a go in the comments below. I’d love to see.

Grief is a difficult journey - please take care of yourself ❤️

If you would like help and support with your grieving journey for your pet or companion animal, I provide Pet Bereavement Therapy. I offer a free, 20 minutes introductory call. To book yours please get in touch. A warm welcome awaits you and I look forward to hearing from you.

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