Wilhelm: Family Christmas tales often include a cat

This is a time when we think back and look ahead. I like to chuckle at some of the things that have happened at Christmases past and share them in the hopes that they spark readers' own personal memories, especially of family tales that make you smile.

I’m sure that I have shared some or all of these at one time or another in the past, but I think they are appropriate for December memories.

I was triggered to recall one of my favorite holiday stories by the fact that our daughter Emily has shared pictures of their two young kittens resting comfortably in the branches of their Christmas tree. And she reports that they shake the tree when they dart up the trunk onto their favorite branches.

Cats provide source of holiday memories

You may recall that years ago we had a couple of cats that did more than shake the tree.

In those days, Marty decorated the main floor of our house with tons of holiday cheer, including a beautiful living room tree. Meanwhile, I was responsible for what became known as a “Charley Brown” tree in the basement where three generations of family would gather to open presents.

The particular year that I have in mind came at a time when we too had two cats and Marty had bought them a holiday treat of catnip, placing it high on a shelf “out of reach” of the felines.

Well, not long before the holiday arrived, I ventured downstairs to discover the fully decorated tree lying on the floor, bulbs and lights askew.

Cat takes down family Charlie Brown tree

Now, I had did not see who the culprits who brought the tree tumbling down were, but the evidence was pretty clear. The “out of reach” catnip had been obviously enjoyed before the holiday had arrived and the cats were strangely “out of reach” during the cleanup.

Cat lovers know that when a fun adventure like a toppled Christmas tree is being cleaned up, most cats don’t miss a chance to watch. One or two conclusions: The cats were sleeping off their catnip or they were hiding from potentially awkward moments.

I know that you may have read that story before, but I enjoy telling it as a holiday tradition of sorts.

Like the time that a couple of grandkids offered to help me unpack my bird house from the box filled with those white packing peanuts. Before the job was done, they were making “snow” angels in the packing peanuts spread across the basement floor.

Heard that one too, haven’t you? Oh well, I hope they trigger some fond memories of your own.

In more recent history, we used to have a trio of wild turkeys that wondered the neighborhood including our yard. We hadn’t seen them for a long time, but three turkeys suddenly appeared in the back yard one day. You guessed it: It was Thanksgiving Day and I any can only wonder if their strut was making some point.

Enjoy the holidays.

Roy Wilhelm started a 40-year career at The News-Messenger in 1965 as a reporter. Now retired, he writes a column for both The News-Messenger and News Herald.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Wilhelm: Family has had its challenges with cats and trees