O Christmas Tree

or should I say "O Christmas Lights..."

Aunt Shari was way ahead of the rest of us this year, having her tree up and decorated the week before Thanksgiving. (In her defense, she was going to be out of town the next few weekends, so it made sense). At a visit to Aunt Shari's, Henry discovered the lights on the tree. He loved the lights so much that I decided I would get my fake tree out early too.

For those of you who don't know, we have a cat, Gus. Last year at this time, we discovered that ornaments, at least those of the breakable variety (or every one we own), were not an option. It was adorable though... our 4 lb kitten would climb the tree and fall asleep.

Gus in the tree 2007.

Well, this year, I was hoping that Gus would try to climb the tree and the fake branches would fail to hold his now 10 lb self (Gus is now also known as Gussy "big butt" to some, but don't tell him, I don't want to give him a complex).

clearly Gussy "Big Butt" does not take advantage of our fitness equipment

I figured that a few failed attempts would result in his staying away. Wrong. In fact, Gus finds the tree more entertaining this year because he has the ability to make it topple over completely. So...sadly, we will leave our tree undecorated again this year. The ornaments of special value will remain carefully displayed on the entertainment center or in other areas of the house... just not on the tree. I suspect that one of these years the need for a decorated tree will win out over the love of Gus, but for now, I will continue to tell myself that I love the cat more than the tree. (Note to self: next home will have a room that has doors to lock out a Gussy)

Anyway, Hankry loves our crooked undecorated tree... who needs ornaments when you have lights!
I think Nana was especially happy with Henry's love of Christmas lights because once Oly saw how much Henry loved the lights on the pink tree at their house, he was super motivated to get the remaining 46 trees out of their basement. Nana's house is the Christmas light jackpot for Henry and he cannot wait to get back there (two weeks from yesterday).


,,,tis the season!