Paws OFF!

Karma Llasa joined Catster with the intention of cataloging her memoirs before she died, but sadly she didn't make it. She left for Rainbow Bridge March 30th, 2006. Her staff is continuing to tell her stories from the many purrs and memories she left behind...

It was the time of year I always looked forward to. The nights got longer, the sun didn't shine as long, a chill came on the air and my Mommy brought a fir tree inside. Ah yes, the time of year called "Christmas".

I love trees. Always have. But this once a year indoor tree is special. I've heard some kitties think these trees are for climbing or messing with but that's not what I love about them. I don't completely understand it, but there's something special about the tree. It's like there's this special kind of love and light involved; something to be revered and marvelled at.

If there wasn't, humans wouldn't take such great care in putting on twinkly lights, colored ornaments and a special velvet rug for me to lay on underneath it. It's so pretty I wouldn't dream of messing with it. Besides I look gooood underneath it with the lights sparkling on my fur and my blue eyes shining like the ornaments adorning the tree.

Of course there was one Christmas when I was an impetuous young cat. I wanted to go outside and play but Mommy didn't have time to take me. I got mad, walked to the tree and smacked one of the dangling balls off the tree and clear across the room. I felt bad about it and vowed never to hurt the tree again.

When Nikki moved in with us she had never seen a Christmas tree. I wasn't sure how she was going to take to it. We both watched from across the room as our humans brought in the tree and put on the lights and colored things. When it was all done Nikki went to the tree to check it out.

Sure enough Nikki lifted a paw and aimed for one of the dangling balls and just as she was about to make contact I lept at her from across the room and cuffed her upside the head. "NO!" I hissed. "Leave the tree alone!"

For the rest of the night I stood guard and growled a warning anytime it looked like Nikki was even thinking of playing with the tree. And I have to hand it to her, with the exception of a few things being knocked off the tree by one of our tails as we walked by...she never once violated the tree.

Mommy involves me in the tree decorating and I get to help put up the ones that have my picture on them. It's always a time to reflect on our years together.

And if that's not worth respect and reverence, then I just don't know what is.

Next, The Battle for the Bedroom

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