If you use a live tree don't add anything to the water because the ferrets will drink and play in the water. If you use a tree skirt the ferrets will be under it. If there are packages down the ferrets will open them for you. I have a 3-4 ft fake tree made from recycled paper. I bought it at target. Check the little spines and you can tell if it is plastic or paper. For decorating I use the large size package bows. I just lay them in spots on the tree (don't take the backing off). I use small candy canes with the paper removed. Some of the ferrets try to climb the tree and several run off with the bows. The shorter the tree, the shorter the fall. But the bows are safe and cheap and they really do make the tree look nice. I was surprised at how nice the tree looked. Hugs to all. tle [Posted in FML issue 2492]