(defeated)

The tree skirt, when left beneath the Christmas tree without sufficient presents on top to keep it stable, is way too much of a temptation for the likes of little kitties.  Within minutes the tassles are ruffled.  A few minutes after that, the skirt is more of a wad of fabric, and a few minutes more, the skirt is out from under the tree at least two feet away...

and the cats are still stalking.