Nothing says “the holidays are here” quite like dragging a glitter-covered tree into the living room. And while many dogs react to the sight of a Christmas tree with complete chaos, one Beagle approaches it with such calm and focus that it feels almost ceremonial. A video of his yearly ritual has now captured the internet’s attention, giving people yet another reason to smile during the busy holiday season.
Beagle appears to be exploring the Christmas tree in a unique way in cute video
A video shared by Basil the Beagle’s owner shows the dog performing what they jokingly refer to as his “annual holiday ceremony.” The text on the screen reads, “POV: Basil returning to his annual holiday ceremony,” as the camera captures Basil slowly walking around the Christmas tree with deep focus and deliberate steps. The Beagle appears almost mesmerized, gently brushing his head and body under the tree branches while moving in slow circles.
According to the owner, this isn’t a one-time behavior. As the video’s caption explains, Basil does this every year during Christmas, and it has officially become a holiday tradition in their home. The family had only just finished setting up the tree when Basil immediately approached it, as though he knew exactly what time of year it was and what he needed to do next.
The video quickly gathered attention, and comments poured in from amused viewers. One person wrote, “It’s not Christmas until Basil has started his annual Christmas tree dance.” Another added, “I wait for this video every year,” suggesting that Basil’s ritual has become a seasonal highlight not only for his family but for longtime followers online. Someone else shared their own relatable experience, saying, “My dog used to do the same under trees in the garden, but I didn’t know the name for this behavior.”
This distinctive movement is “ghost walking” or “trancing.” Experts say it’s generally harmless and seen in various dog breeds. During trancing, dogs walk slowly under or around objects that lightly brush their backs, such as branches, curtains, or furniture. Although its exact purpose isn’t fully understood, most veterinarians consider it a harmless, almost meditative behavior.
