Tuesday, December 20, 2016

The Rise of the Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is at last up. I was able to erect the little symbol this past weekend, as previous ones have been busy, and I have little or no time on weeknights.

I placed it in the corner where the once neglected heated cat-bed had reposed. (I’m happy to write that both beds are being well-used these days). I had to store temporarily a small end-table and move the taller cat-tree a bit, but the space is more than adequate. The tree becomes a little more awful with each year’s compression in a box after the season has ended, but I still like to have it. It provides a little homeyness when lit at night.


So far, the cats have left it alone. Each is experienced with Christmas trees and only Cammie creates a disturbance, as she likes to rub against certain forms of plastic and then chew, as if she’s eaten some, which she never has. No one has dislodged or played with ornaments, though, to be safe, I hang bells on the lowest branches. They are metal and much more resistant to damage than their glass counterparts, and they will alert me to any skulking around the Christmas tree. (By the way, “Skulking Around the Christmas Tree” must be the worst title for any Yuletide song…)

In addition to the tree, I had to find a location for the stockings, as the apartment does not have a fireplace. I miss having a fireplace; I had one for eight years, in my previous apartment and in my house. This year, I nailed the stockings to bookcases; not really traditional, but books have always been more common in my residences than fireplaces, anyway.


So we are almost ready for the big day at our home. I’ve a couple more gifts to get - one less, if a planned present arrives by mail in time. I hope your preparations are in hand, if not already completed. I have to work on mine without any feline help at all, as you can see.

12 comments:

  1. The tree and stockings look wonderful, very festive and cheery.

    I've never had a fireplace, ever, but can see that one would miss it, especially the mantel at holiday time.

    Anyway, we're wishing you all a very merry Christmas! May "Santa" bring you all some special treats. :-)

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  2. Your tree is very purretty. Our stockings hang from da door handles on mommys hutch. We have a 'lectric fireplace, and it's too small fur hangin' stockings. MOL Big hugs

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

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  3. since mom travels, we don't get a tree....but we can certainly appreciate stockings on bookcases :)

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  4. I would so listen to “Skulking Around the Christmas Tree” :)

    I wanted a fireplace to hang our stockings by, so we went to Big Lots and bought an electric one for a couple of hundred dollars. It was a nice big piece of furniture with two book shelves on the side, and it gave off some nice heat too.

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  5. Thank goodness my cats aren't that interested in the Christmas decorations, although I do only have a table top tree.

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  6. The Christmas tree is pretty, and the bookcases are a good alternative to hanging the stockings on a mantel. Our tree is also looking more worn with every passing year, and also from Flynn who must rub his scent onto it every time it comes out, and again when it goes away for another year.

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  7. I love the tree! For me, it is the most important part of Christmas as I so enjoy sitting in its glow. In fact, I always turn on the lights when I get up in the morning and on again when I get home for work (or when dusk comes). I think I could do without the rest of the trappings of the holidays...but never the tree.

    Wishing you a very Happy Christmas!

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  8. I love your decorations, John. They look terrific. With my 6 cats, having a Christmas tree would not a good idea, but everyone does have a stocking and I put out some unbreakable Christmas knick-knacks. My "fur-kids" and I wish you and your clowder a Christmas that's filled with fun, friends and happiness.

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    1. Thank you for your wishes, Roberta. You and your six have a happy Christmas, as well. Yours sound a bit more 'investigative' than mine, as regards a Christmas tree, so I don't blame you for not having one. Enjoy the season regardless, as I am sure you will.

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  9. Your tree looks lovely. And timeworn isn't so bad, you know. The tree holds memories and scents of the cats we've loved and who may no longer be with us. It's sort of a physical tie to the past. It is continuity with what was , is now and will be in Christmases to come.
    Your last photo shows that the tree is really doing its job making your house a places of warmth and contentment.

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    1. Very true. Our little tree is a tradition; Tungsten helped put it up, as did Bear-Bear. So it will stay with us a bit longer. Merry Christmas, Keri, to you and your family.

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  10. I like how the stockings are hung. I hope you and all your kitties have a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy 2017!Your card is adorable.

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