How Cats Do Christmas

In this pictoral display, we follow the adventures of a typical house cat at Christmas, reenacted by many cats from Creative Commons licensed Flickr photos you probably haven't seen before.

What is this? Out of the blue, the humans bring a tree in the house!

(Image credit: Flickr user Jennifer Lamb)

This tree is the perfect place to hide!

(Image credit: Flickr user Algiers Photography)

And they got out all these cat toys to hang on it!

(Image credit: Flickr user LOST X SPACE)

Hey, keep your hands off. That’s MY ornament!

(Image credit: Flickr user Jennifer Lamb)

Hmmm, which one of these is my favorite? 

(Image credit: Flickr user Dee Teal)

Not only are they fun to play with, but they are delicious, too! 

(Image credit: Flickr user Jon Bounds)

Underneath the tree is a great place to stretch out after you've played with it a while.

(Image credit: Flickr user Kim)

Yep, I've played so hard I need a nap now.

(Image credit: Flickr user fauxto_digit)

Those lights are so pretty -they're mesmerizing!

(Image credit: Flickr user TempusVolat)

This tree is really beautiful. I almost hate to destroy it.

(Image credit: Flickr user Daniel Dudek-Corrigan)

Can all this be beauty be real? How do I test it? By eating it or ripping it apart?

(Image credit: Flickr user MsSaraKelly)

Don't mind me, I'm just straightening the lights.

(Image credit: Flickr user Jackie O)

The lights at the top are a little crooked, too, I'd better get up there.

(Image credit: Flickr user Susan Adams)

Oh no! I'm all tangled up!

(Image credit: Flickr user Larry & Teddy Page)

Now I'm almost to the top. Still tangled.

(Image credit: Flickr user Tiffa Day)

Whoops! I was just having a little fun. I swear I didn't know that was going to happen!

(Image credit: Flickr user Adriaan Goossens)

I can has Christmas stocking?

(Image credit: Flickr user Bill & Vicki T)

Many cats will be glad to help in wrapping gifts.

(Image credit: Flickr user Finn Frode)

This one is looking for Santa Claws. He should be here by now!

(Image credit: Flickr user Daniel Lewis)

What is the best part of Christmas? This little guy says it's the gift wrap! 

(Image credit: Flickr user Melissa Lyons)

No, the the ribbon is the best part! Look how much fun it is! 

(Image credit: Flickr user Emily)

We beg to differ, the bags are the best.

(Image credit: Flickr user Anne White)

After all of the holiday festivities, you will probably be exhausted, and in dire need of a nap. 

(Image credit: Flickr user Tommy Hemmert Olesen )

Thanks to the many cat owners/photographers who've chosen to make these wonderful pictures available to all of us. And thanks to Victor, Baby, Xena, Petey, Dolf, Elsa, Noodle, Shark, Buster, Cali, Callie, PJ, Snow White, Sammy, Ollie, Moppet, Ruth, Jack, and the other cats for acting out our scenario. Merry Christmas!