Christmas and KittensChrys Fey
http://www.facebook.com/chrysfey
Every year, my family and I put up our artificial Christmas tree the day before Thanksgiving. Then on Thanksgiving Day, while the turkey is sunning in the oven and the parade is on the TV, we decorate it with an array of ornaments: sequin balls, beaded strands, family heirlooms, and cheap glass balls covered in neon green glitter. During our Thanksgiving dinner, we eat in the glow of the six-pointed star on the highest bow and the green and red twinkle lights. This year, however, we are forced to change our tradition because of four new additions to the family.
In September, I rescued four kittens that lived outside my apartment complex. After the mom left them to fend for themselves, I lured them into my apartment, afraid of what would happen if anyone else caught them, and just like that I gained four pets. They are completely at home. So much, in fact, that they run wild, using the couch, coffee table, and other pieces of furniture as their playground. They especially love to attack fake flowers.
Wherever I put my
colorful, plastic boutiques they would eye them with kitty lust. One
day, I came home to find a vase shattered on the tile and all four
kittens either in the middle of a game of glass hockey or gnawing on my
collection of dried roses. Seeing how they reacted to flowers, I imaged
catastrophe for our Christmas tree, which is why we aren’t putting up
our tree this year. Instead, we will decorate a miniature tree. We also
have a paper tree that was an art project for the wall where the tree
normally stands. Then, on Christmas Eve, because you can’t have a gift exchange without a tree, I will put up our big Christmas tree and everyone will decorate it together. Of course, I will have to take it down before bed, or else I fear I’ll wake up in the middle of the night to find the tree flat on the ground on top of a bed of smashed ornaments with all four kittens deep in the branches, snickering between their paws.
I love the idea of everyone hanging a few ornaments on the tree before opening our gifts though, and may adapt that as a new tradition for years to come. So, some good has resulted from our kitten craziness.
Merry Christmas! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Awww... Kittens make everything happier. :-)
ReplyDeleteHow kind of you to take in the kittens and change your traditions. Enjoy the decorating this year!
ReplyDeleteLiz, they certainly do. :)
ReplyDeleteMaria, thank you! Even though they like to get into trouble, I already can't imagine my life without them. :)
Sometimes traditions evolve as we go. Sounds like you're creating a fun new one!
ReplyDeleteI am, Debra. And I've thought of other fun new things to do with my family during our Christmas Eve party as well. :)
ReplyDeleteHow sweet-- saving kittens.
ReplyDeleteWe save two strays. They been a part of the family for eleven years. :)
Karen, I can't resist when I see stray kittens. My families love with cats started with a stray. She came to my families house, walked right into the opened door, and we later realized she was pregnant. After that the rest was history. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful article and god bless you for rescuing those kittens. I have 4 of my own and the last one I rescued also his mother left him on my door step, his name is zack.
ReplyDeleteYou had me at kittens. So kind of you to rescue them. I adore cats, and I've had some cats knock down our Christmas trees in the past. The cats would climb the real trees, but they mostly left the artificial trees alone. The sweet cat I have now is too fat to climb anything, although she would argue she's not fat, she's large boned.
ReplyDeleteWhat nice Christmas traditions you have.
Suzannah, thank you! And thank you for telling me about Zack. My kittens are Milo and Otis (the twins), Cole (the black one) and Clover. :)
ReplyDeleteCara, aren't cats great? :) In the past I had a cat who would climb inside my artificial Christmas tree and hide inside the branches. Then when you walking by you catch the gleam of green eyes staring out at you. LOL!
ReplyDeleteHow cute, Liz! Sometimes you just have to adjust. I started putting out less decorations inside my house, because I have a two year old granddaughter. She's a sweetheart, but gets into everything.
ReplyDeleteLovely post and pictures. I adore kittens and cats. I heard someone hung their tree upside down from the ceiling to avoid tempting their pets and their animals :)
ReplyDeleteThose kittens are adorable! What lucky kitties that they found you. They'll (probably, but you never know) calm down around the Christmas tree when they get older. But I love how you've adapted your tradition to fit them in. Best of luck and happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteSusan, thank you for your comment. I remember when my nephews were toddlers I had to create a barricade to keep them away from the Christmas tree and presents.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, thank you! Hanging the tree upside down just might do the trick. lol
Emma, thank you so much. I figured by next year they'd be less wild around the house, so I can put up the tree and not worry about them tearing it down. Or at least I hope so. haha Happy holidays to you too! :)