Christmas Joy: 2009

From distant memories of kittenhood, I recall this thing called Christmas. Trees, lights, ornaments – it was all rather overwhelming for wee kits just a few months of age. Franklin and I had our fun, but we also engaged in an Escalating Nap Program™ to avoid seasonal excess and to keep ourselves in our usual calm state. *ahem*

Last year -- oh the memories!

This year, brother and I are fully engaged in all the season offers: From batting ornaments down the stairwell to inspecting packages for random bits of ribbons to nibbling the wreath to burning a few whiskers on the scented candles—we’re on board! There’s no need for an ENP this year... unless it’s for our humans. ^^

We swung into Christmas Mode even before Mom carried the first of her 14 boxes of decorations down the attic stairs. You see, someone foolishly left the bathroom door open prior to decking the halls, and this allowed Frank to (again) express his undying love for The Tiger plush toy.

Innocent Frank; he just "happened" upon the scene.

I, of course, remained uninterested. Or at least put on a show of being bored by the whole prospect.

Not Interested. Probably.

As our people clambered in the door one bright afternoon, we could not fail to notice they’d accidentally dragged in an enormous piece of vegetation behind them. We understand they tromped miles through a thing called a Christmas Tree Farm to select the tree; it towers to the height of at least 20 cats standing paw on shoulder! Mom was immediately on phone and Facebook, inviting friends to a tree decorating party. Much fun ensued.

The Tree, After Decorating Party

We are pleased that there is copious room beneath the Fraser Fir, for that is most important. There's no better a place for kitties than under a tree, sipping at the water in the tree stand, batting at one of the gazillion ornaments bedecking its boughs, giving a tug to a loose light strand, naughtily tinkling the glass bell Mom put up as her "Cat Alarm."

The View From Below

Mom. friends, and family members hung stockings and placed decorations over every surface in the house—even the top of cabinets and above the people box! They strung lights in the windows, across the mantel, around mirrors, and along the stairway banister. Tha last placement is special. The garland has tempting vegetation all its own. Said vegetation has proved nearly as irresistible to my brother as stuffed tigers! Daily, Mom awakes to find a trail of poinsettias down the stairs and Frank's proud announcement that he’s taken care of all the pruning needs for the day.

Tasty -- and Fir and Poinsettia are low-cal, so I can
preserve my male model figure!

Both Frank and I enjoy watching the world go by through our window. The holiday spirit fills the air. We have a cat's eye view both day...

Winston Stands Watch

and night.

Watch-Kitty Pas de Deux

There are extra attractions in the yard this time of year, even visiting wildlife! We have stared at those white creatures below the window for hours and have yet to see them move, so great are their stealth abilities!

Motionless Moose -- Amazing!

We proudly display a large flashing decoration on the roof. I enjoy sitting in the darkened window, watching its lights and motion. Sometimes, late at night, I hear the distant hoot of a train crossing the valley below our home while I’m viewing the rooftop decoration, and that makes it even more special.

Rooftop Deco

We have a lighted pathway, as well. While we've no real snow this year, we've plasticine snowmen to join us in welcoming visitors.

The Pathway

All and all, it has been a splendid holiday. We received many gifts of a cat-toy nature, and supped on a delicious turkey dinner, as well.

But I've one word of caution for those who share our abode: Rumour has it that New Year's Eve is coming. If you guys blast off those bloomin’ Party Poppers again this year, the new slippers get it!

Winter Dreams