That's our Christmas tree, way up there on top of the tv armoire, with nary a light or bauble on it. And there's a reason for this.
I started out on Tuesday with high hopes of getting the Yellow House all gussied up for the holidays. I already knew I wasn't going to put up the big tree. Number One: The cats. Number Two: I am just not up to the hassle of putting up a big tree, decorating it, undecorating it, and putting it back away--even with Jesse's help.
So I got out my little 3-ft. tree and plugged it in. Half the lights wouldn't light. I found the instructions in the box, which led me to believe if I would replace the fuses, everything would be calm and bright. I found the fuses, not in the box, and replaced the old ones. The same half of the lights didn't work. Since a burned out bulb is not supposed to cause widespread light failure with this tree, I didn't opt to go down the string, replacing each light find a bad one. Well, actually, I did try that with one. I completely tore one bulb to pieces trying to remove it. So, I gave up on that tree.
Next, I got out my little bitty white tree that I like to decorate with all my cardinals that I have collected. I was going to place it here, in front of my new Christmas quilt, "Family Portrait," in the foyer.
I set the little tree up, a very easy operation, even with my hands. Then I turned and stepped into the living room to retrieve my box of cardinal ornaments. I was gone maybe ten seconds. When I got back, Miss Bella was eating the white tree. Scrap that plan.
I looked around all over the house to find a place to put my cardinal tree that was kitty proof. The top of the armoire was the best I could do. So far, I haven't caught them up there, but who knows? I might put a little string of lights on it so that it doesn't look so bare.
I have set out a few other little do-dads, but not much. Cats and hall decking just don't go well together, in my opinion. Here's a look at what I've managed.
A little softie tree that my friend Cindy M., made for bee members last year. Actually, I found it in the floor this morning.
Cross-stitched greeting. I don't think they can reach this--maybe.
For the past 15 years or so, this quilt has hung in my foyer at Christmastime. I've retired it to the dining room to make room for "Family Portrait."
What a difference a red ribbon makes.
My thrift store M.E. needlepoint pillow
This little Santa container actually hangs in my kitchen year-round to remind me of a special friend who made it.
Cat in a basket, temporary decoration
My big stuffed Bentley Bear is sitting on the front porch, I have a wreath on the door and a swag on the mailbox--and that's it, so far, for decorating at The Yellow House. All cat-proof ideas for Christmas decor will be considered.
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On 12/13/2012, Sandy said ...
I feel your pain! I have 7 cats so my decorating has been reduced to a red bow on my lightpost outside and our stocking hung on the mantle. Your Family Portrait quilt is beautiful and I know you're enjoying it. Hope your day is a good one.
On 12/13/2012, Karen in Michigan said ...
One of my cats, Pumpkin, mostly leaves the holiday "greenery" alone after pulling the big tree down on top of himself a couple of years ago. The other, Smokey Joe, LOVES fake greenery and is subjected to being squirted when he nibbles on the tree/garland/what-have-you. Oddly enough, now that I have decorations on my small tree, he's mostly leaving it alone. Yeah, I've toned down the decorations since the boys came to live with me. Nothing like cats to help you espouse the minimalist aesthetic.
On 12/13/2012, Linda said ...
Love your decorations and quilts! With my kitten at 8 months old, I was nervous about the tree. As soon as I put it up, she was nosing around it. She has already broken 2 glass ornaments, so I put the vacuum sweeper next to the tree - she is terrified of it - so if I catch her around the tree I simply turn it on and she races out of the room. It has helped. The things we do to accommodate our animals!
On 12/13/2012, Annette said ...
During the 11 year lifetime of our cat "Fireball" the Christmas tree (artificial) didn't fare well --- he would climb it and sit in it. Branches would get twisted every which way. Tipped over many times too. He would "steal" Baby Jesus from the top of the pie cupboard; only him. The other figures he didn't take. Fireball was a jumper so no matter how high something was he could get at it. Keeping breakables packed away seemed to work the best.
On 12/13/2012, Jan S. said ...
Your minimalist approach looks lovely. The votive in the teacup is a fun idea!
On 12/13/2012, Ramey said ...
Cat in a basket! What a charming idea!
On 12/13/2012, Barbara Anne said ...
Perhaps it's because our 2 cats prefer live greenery, they seem not to give a fig about silk greenery or an artificial tree, no matter what is hanging from the branches. They show mild interest, then distain. This year might be different for some reason, but we've been okay for the last 7 Christmases. Fingers crossed!
Of course, I cannot have any live plant indoors because Tom, the younger cat, regards living greenery as his personal salad.
Our dearly depart Bassett Hound, Daisy, loved the artificial Christmas tree and would instantly plant herself under its lower branches in utter bliss.
Love the Christmas quilts!
Hugs!
On 12/13/2012, Patti J said ...
Use a squirt bottle filled with water. It does wonders. Not only for the tree, but anywhere you find them being naughty. Or just the general throwing water on them. I've tossed a half glass of water at a cat before. Eventually, you can get to the point of making the squirt bottle noise with your mouth and they will scamper out of the room. It is tough, but you have to persevere this first year. Then it's easier after that. I have never adjusted my decorating to my animals, I just work at training them. It's never easy, but it can be done.
On 12/16/2012, Laura said ...
Tree or no, The house looks like Christmas to me. So warm and inviting.
On 12/17/2012, Ellen in Oregon said ...
We used to use water guns when I was a kid to discourage the cats from scratching furniture (more fun than a squirt bottle when your 10 yrs. old). Some times it would work and sometimes the cat just thought you were nuts. How did Bella manage to reach the top of the Amoire? Does she fly? A friend says she would lay crumpled pieces of alumimum foil were she didn/t want the cat to go and the texture. reflection and noise would scare them away. Sound great as long as you don't mind having long pieces of Reynolds Wrap laying all over your house! You house look lovely & very festive despite the problems. The only thing missing is a red collar on Bella & Taco. I hope Skipper's foot heals quickly.
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