When to put the Christmas tree up?

This is a dilemma for two reasons. One, I need to find the poles for the inside of the pop-up tree I bought a couple of years ago as I don't know exactly where they are in this house. Last year we didn't put the tree up at all as when it came to it the hassle was more effort than it was worth and it would only need dismantling again, and two, the timing of the tree going up is crucial. Red thinks Christmas trees are just the absolute best, like winning the lottery with shiny baubles on. This means the tree generally needs a minder.

We did have a great pre-lit tree when Red was a kitten and young cat and it spent the entire time doing the salsa which was most disconcerting as he scaled up the tree and concealed himself in the branches. Please excuse the poor quality pics, they are old ones AND most were 'action' shots! Also, the tree was definitely not dressed as badly as this initially but we grew weary of having to replace the decorations and tinsel.

 This one with the tinsel tail is my favourite

 "Eh..? Was that me you were shouting on......nah, couldn't be...!"

 Peek-a-boo

Two years ago I bought a pop-up tree for the ease of putting it up and down as, although I love Christmas, with work and care commitments I wanted an easy solution. This one was also very slim and I reckoned if I placed it correctly it might be less tempting...pah! It lasted exactly 17 hours, and this was only because the resident ginger tree mugger was in the bedroom overnight for most of that time. I'd wedged it between the radiator and the TV unit thinking this might save it unfortunately, Red climbed up inside it and used it as a hide for poking Magic as she lay on the radiator bed.

The tail might match the carpet but we can still see you...!

 Innocent? Maybe not.

 Poor Magic got no peace whatsoever......

 ...till she moved

 Giving him the stink eye

 However, it was really hard to tell him off...I mean how can you look at that sweet trusting face and say bad things about him..?

 This however, was a point of great relief when we could all stand down from our posts when he finally tired himself out.

So, although I want the tree up asap to bring sparkly Christmas cheer to the house for the first time since moving here, and could easily get a replacement pole/frame for the pop up tree if I can't find the original, my reservations remain about the fluffy tree assassin.