The Midlife

The reason we are not putting up a Christmas tree is sitting on our wreath holder.

Hi! It’s been a little while. How are things? Have you called your mama/papa? How are the kids?

With November in full tilt, I’m doing something I thought I would never do. I can hardly bring myself to type it. I will whisper-type this: I’m putting up my Christmas decorations today. Not after Thanksgiving. Today, with one big exception. We will not be setting up our beloved Christmas tree.

We have owned our shelter cat, Carson, for seven outrageous months. Over such time, he has managed to break a handful of coffee mugs and other assorted dishware, old art projects my daughter made, and somehow relocated my key fob. (For the latter, I’m convinced I will find it on my next moving day.) And while our Christmas tree is an artificial, non-descript tree of medium size, it won’t be erected this holiday season. I simply can’t take the risk of having my cherished ornaments (from my late sister and the small assortment of sentimental favorites we have gathered over the years) go smash. Carson is stoic and relentless. He likes to break stuff for sport.

Traditionally, Christmas decorations in our home go up almost immediately after Thanksgiving. My husband, daughter, and I make a late afternoon of it with decorating while watching Home Alone or some other holiday film. It’s a vibe. But this year will be a little different.

My husband is the true inspiration behind our Christmas celebrations at home. He turns our balcony into a 14′ X 7′ winter wonderland equipped with a giant inflatable and strings of blaring lights that scream Expensive Electric Bill. But it brings him such delight and makes me happy to see him relive a sort of childhood joy.

So, for any of you wishing to adopt a more minimalist lifestyle, get a cat. They will help you free up space and rethink your traditions. Carson is too cute and obviously comfortable; perhaps a little change helps us rediscover the joy no one (not even a cat) can destroy.