Most years I DO NOT put up a tree. The first year with Hannah and Puff, I was at work and Rickie called me. I was scared something terrible happened, as he NEVER does that. He walked outside to get the mail, and heard a LOUD BANG. He got inside, and I dont know HOW this happened, but the brand new fake tree was in a pile on the floor. Unfixable He called to tell me. When I got home, I couldnt believe it. It was so bad that I did not even bag it up, I just picked up the massive pile and threw it on the curb

2 years ago I put one up, this time I anchored it to the wall in 6 places, and the ceiling with thick clear fishing line. Worked like a charm, but all of the ornaments were getting broken.

Last year, NO TREE>

This year, since it will be such a sparse Christmas, I decided to put one up tonight. And, knock on wood, I *THINK* I might have just outsmarted the cats this year.

No icicles, Shatterproof ornaments, anchored EVERYWHERE. I also gave it sprays of "no bite bitter apple" and put no ornaments or anything near the bottom of the tree. No tree skirt as that is a peeing magnet AND Puff will eat it We will see if it works. Hubby and I placed bets. He said it will be ruined by morning, I said by tomorrow night

* FINGERS CROSSED FOR THE WELL BEING OF MY TREE *