The Rauhnächte (Twelve Nights of Christmas), the mysterious time between Christmas and Epiphany, invites contemplation, reflection, and new beginnings. They are considered the 12 nights that bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new. Each Rauhnächte represents a month of the coming year and holds a special energy. So why not celebrate these magical days with your dog? Here you'll find a description of each night and inspiring ideas for how to spend them together with your four-legged friend.
1st Night: December 25 – Review and Gratitude
Topic: Review of the past year.
Ritual:
- Write down what you are grateful for in the last year and share these thoughts while taking a leisurely walk.
- Place small treats along the route so that your dog can symbolically find “treasures.”
2nd Night: December 26 – Cleansing and Letting Go
Topic: Exemption from legacy issues.
Ritual:
- Light a candle and write down what you want to let go of. Read it aloud to your dog—he's an attentive listener.
- Create a moment of mindfulness by meditating together.
3rd Night: December 27 – Inner Peace and Serenity
Topic: Finding inner balance.
Ritual:
- Spend time in nature and find a quiet place to pause.
- Practice mindfulness exercises such as slow walking with conscious breathing.
4th Night: December 28 – Relationships and Connections
Topic: Strengthening connections.
Ritual:
- Dedicate yourself to your relationship with your dog by cuddling or playing together.
- Think about the people and animals that are important to you and write them (or about them) a few loving words.
5th Night: December 29 – Visions and Wishes
Topic: Developing visions of the future.
Ritual:
- Write down wishes for the new year, including time with your dog.
- Create a small wish-making ceremony, for example with a candle from a beautiful candle holder.
6th Night: December 30 – Intuition and Trust
Topic: Strengthening the inner voice.
Ritual:
- Let your dog choose the route for the walk and follow him. Practice both of you simply being in the moment.
- Pay attention to what you encounter on your path – sometimes there are small messages hidden.
7th Night: December 31 – Gratitude and Farewell
Topic: Saying goodbye to the old year.
Ritual:
- Write down your best moments of the year together and bury them outside in a small ritual.
- Take one last, contemplative walk of the year and consciously say goodbye to 2024.
8th Night: January 1st – New Beginnings and Freshness
Topic: Starting a new chapter.
Ritual:
- Start the year with a fresh walk in the fresh air.
- Give your dog a special treat that symbolizes the start of the new year.
9th Night: January 2nd – Focus and Clarity
Topic: Setting goals and priorities.
Ritual:
- Plan small adventures or projects for the year with your dog, such as new hiking routes or a dog sports course.
- Practice concentration with your dog, for example by playing a search game.
10th Night: January 3 – Connections to Nature
Theme: Connection to the earth and to life.
Ritual:
- Walk a new path in nature and collect symbols of growth and renewal, such as a beautiful stone or a leaf.
- Let your dog sniff and explore – nature is his element.
11th Night: January 4 – Courage and Determination
Topic: Accepting challenges.
Ritual:
- Try a new command or activity with your dog that challenges you.
- Think about what challenges you want to overcome together.
12th Night: January 5th – Farewell and New Beginning
Topic: The conclusion of the Rauhnächte.
Ritual:
- Write down what you have learned from these days and formulate a motto for the new year.
- Spend a quiet evening together and create an atmosphere of arrival, for example with candlelight and a cozy corner.
The Rauhnächte ( Twelve Nights of Christmas) are a unique opportunity not only to reflect on the past year, but also to take your relationship with your dog to a whole new level. Through small rituals and conscious moments, you can create a bond full of magic and warmth that enriches both of you.
