A Feline Christmas

A Feline Christmas

The holidays are a time for family, food, festivities, and felines? This year we went to my in-laws for Christmas. It’s always interesting in the mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania—not so much because of the beautiful secluded setting or the dramatic family interludes but because of the felines. There were five of them to be exact. That’s two less than in past years. It’s not as bad as it might sound because two of them are allowed outdoors, but throw two Scottie dogs in the mix and every so often a tussle erupts, disharmonizing well with the cacophony from the cousins. None of the cats are allowed downstairs, so they do end up all over the place. Typically, they will mill around the kitchen begging for their meat or plant themselves on the couch so nobody can sit and watch TV without paying the petting toll.

My in-laws’ house is always a bit free form, allowing for individual expression, especially when it comes to mealtime. A formal sit-down meal is a rare occasion, so when it does happen even the four-footed family members take notice. This year, after we put in the extra leaves, smoothed out the tablecloth, and laid out the typical spread—creamy sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, creamed corn, cranberry bread, and Honey Baked ham—little Muggers plopped himself down at the head of the table and was ready for the feast. Our Feliz Navidad turned into Felis domesticus.

Overall, it was a good holiday. There were some miscues and misunderstandings, but playing games with the kids and feeling the love from the cats helped to ease the stress. Next year we’ll have to get Muggers a booster seat.

Happy New Year!

Geoff