Reasons Not To Decorate For Christmas!

I removed a tablecloth which Nellie and friends have been using as bathmat, napping spot, a place to wipe muddy paws after being outdoors.

I didn't spread the clean one before it was rumpled and skittered about.

Teasel has chosen to spend a few minutes [companionably] on the round oak table which we have moved to the center of the kitchen.

Bobby Mac has selected the small 'island' re-positioned near the electric cooktop.

It serves as a watch-point, a grooming station and an effective spot for greeting anyone 

who comes in.

I admire--in magazines and in other peoples' homes--'tablescapes' and seasonal center-pieces.

I have no lack of interesting vintage bits and pieces, baskets, crocks, bowls in which to arrange natural materials--pine cones, pebbles, pods, dried lavender, etc--

none are safe from the investigative proddings of furry paws.

A shiny horse chestnut or a handful of acorns could be rolled noisily around the floor, cones are meant to be flipped from a basket and tossed about, greenery of any sort or dried herbs and flowers must be nibbled, and perhaps subsequently hawked up messily.

The lower shelf of the antique side table could provide a place for a basket or small crock of pine or spruce twigs, adorned with berries--but it is another spot favored by Bobby Mac--conveniently near the front door, a ready escape route.

I have placed  in the little room off the master bath upstairs two small heirloom geraniums and the pots containing respectively an amaryllis and a paperwhite bulb.

Thus far these have been unmolested.

I am resigned to a lack of Christmas finery!