The kagami-mochi is a traditional Japanese decoration to bring good luck for the coming year. It’s definitely good luck for Maru, because it gives him an empty box to play in before he assumes his traditional role as the holiday centerpiece.

Maru gets some early holiday presents: A bowl based on Devo’s famous flowerpot hat, which is so comfortable that Hana and Kitten Miri want their own; and a creepy toy that is noticeably less popular. Later, Maru tests a scientific hypothesis: Is a cat’s choice of beer box truly random or can it be controlled?

He’s such a great test subject, Andrew Y.