As we count down to the start of another year, many of us mark the occasion with grand celebrations — fireworks, parties, loud music, and elaborate spreads of food. But if we took a step back and imagined New Year’s from the perspective of our animal companions, how might they choose to ring in the new year?
Their celebrations would look very different — and perhaps even better.
PEACEFUL GATHERINGS OVER FIREWORKS
While we humans often celebrate with loud firecrackers and dazzling light shows, our animal companions would probably opt for something much more peaceful and less jarring. Dogs, Cats, and even Birds find comfort in quiet, cozy environments.
Imagine a Dog’s New Year celebration, where instead of the anxiety-inducing blasts of fireworks, they would gather with their pack (which is you!) for some much-needed bonding time — snuggled up, sharing food, and basking in each other’s company.
Cats, always the rulers of their own kingdom, might celebrate the New Year by stretching out in front of a warm fire, appreciating the calmness of the moment. Their celebration would be luxurious in its simplicity, filled with naps, leisurely grooming sessions, and perhaps a quiet stare into the night sky, satisfied with the balance of peace and comfort.
Meanwhile, Birds might choose to celebrate by singing beautiful songs together at dawn, welcoming the New Year with nature’s music. Their celebration would be harmonious, with the joy of flying freely through the air as the sun rises on a brand-new day.
COMMUNAL CELEBRATIONS IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
In the wild, many Animals take part in communal gatherings that serve as their own version of celebration.
For example, Orcas are known to “celebrate” when they reunite with members of their pod after long separations. These joyful gatherings involve vocalizations, playful behavior, and synchronized swimming.
Similarly, Elephants greet each other with enthusiasm, flapping their ears and trumpeting to announce the return of a loved one. It is a kind of reunion that reflects the same joy we feel when we gather with family and friends.
SHARING, NOT GIVING IN EXCESS
When it comes to food, our animal companions wouldn’t need a fancy, five-course meal to enjoy their New Year’s. They’d probably celebrate with their closest friends, enjoying a feast that’s full of their favorite simple treats.
For Dogs, it might be gathering with their humans over some delicious snacks, excitedly wagging their tails, and relishing every bite.
Cats, ever the connoisseurs of taste, might enjoy their own fishy New Year’s dinner, savoring each nibble and purring in satisfaction.
Rabbits would gather with their burrow-mates, munching on a fresh bounty of leafy greens, all while celebrating their close-knit bond with soft nuzzles and playful hops.
Animal celebrations would center on companionship and sharing. They wouldn’t be about indulging in excess but about enjoying the moment with those they care about — whether it’s a cozy night in or a shared meal of their favorite simple foods.
CELEBRATION WITHOUT HARM
One thing that sets our animal companions apart from us is that they would never include elements of their celebration that could harm the environment or others around them.
While we humans use fireworks, confetti, and balloons to mark the New Year, these festive elements can actually be harmful to animals and the environment. Birds, for instance, are often disoriented by the loud sounds and sudden flashes of fireworks, and Dogs can suffer from extreme anxiety. Cats, too, are known to hide for hours after firework displays.
If our companions had a say, there would be no fireworks, no harmful balloons, and certainly no excessive waste. Instead, they’d celebrate in a way that leaves no trace — perhaps with a peaceful gathering under the stars, quiet time spent with loved ones, or even sharing a celebratory meal together. Soft candlelight or natural decorations could easily replace the louder, more harmful aspects of human celebrations, creating a serene and calming atmosphere.
HOW TO KEEP ANIMALS IN MIND WHEN CELEBRATING
As we celebrate the New Year, it’s important to consider how our festivities might affect the animals around us.
Balloons, for example, pose a significant risk to wildlife. When released into the air, they eventually deflate and fall, often ending up in oceans or natural habitats where they can be mistaken for food by Birds, Fishes, and other animals.
Instead of balloons, consider using reusable decorations or plant-based confetti that can be cleaned up after the celebration. And instead of fireworks, think of peaceful, eco-friendly alternatives like creating a bonfire (in safe areas) or using sparklers that are much less harmful to both animals and the environment.
A NEW YEAR OF PLAY AND JOY
For many animals, play is an essential part of life, and it’s likely they would celebrate the new year by engaging in their favorite activities. Dogs might race around a park, playing fetch or chasing each other in a joyful display of energy. Cats, on the other hand, would celebrate with pouncing games, chasing after feathers or strings as they leap gracefully into the air.
Horses might gallop in wide circles, their powerful strides reflecting the thrill of freedom. Even smaller Animals like Guinea Pigs or Ferrets would celebrate through playful antics, exploring new tunnels or hopping about with their companions.
For animals, play is celebration — an expression of joy, companionship, and life itself. Their version of New Year’s wouldn’t need loud music or flashy displays; it would be filled with laughter, movement, and pure happiness.
LEARNING FROM OUR ANIMAL COMPANIONS
As we look forward to the New Year, perhaps we could take a page from our animal companions’ playbook. They remind us that celebrations don’t need to be extravagant or loud to be meaningful.
Whether it’s curling up together in quiet contentment, enjoying a hearty meal, or playing with unrestrained joy, there’s something to be said for celebrating with love, simplicity, and respect for all the living beings who share this planet with us.
