Dressed in Santa hats and fairy lights, these cats look ready for Christmas; but this year, they will spend the holidays in a Tallinn shelter, still waiting for a home.

They are wearing Santa hats, lounging among fairy lights, posing beside wrapped presents and Christmas trees. At first glance, they look as though they already belong somewhere – someone’s living room, perhaps, or a windowsill warmed by a radiator. They do not. Not yet.

These cats live at Cats Help, a volunteer-run shelter in Tallinn. They are safe, warm and well cared for. But this Christmas they will spend their days in a shelter rather than at the foot of a bed or curled up on a sofa, half-watching the world go by.

Each of them comes with a past. Some were found on the street, others abandoned, others simply left behind when circumstances changed. What they share is a present shaped by patience and routine – and a future that remains open.

This gallery (click to enlarge) is Estonian World’s way of wishing its readers happy holidays, together with Cats Help. It is also a gentle reminder that while the city celebrates, some stories are still waiting for their next chapter to begin.

Minx, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Lila, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Yuki, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Diva, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Björn, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Isidora, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Liza Minelli, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Krääpsu, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Liina, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Kingsaba, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Fox, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Bellatrix, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Marta, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Nadja, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Sirli, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Stella, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Marinin, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Emme-Luna, waiting for a home – perhaps this Christmas. Photo by Andrea Forlani.

Adoption is one way to change that story. But it is not the only one. If welcoming a cat into your home is not possible right now, there are other ways to help. Especially at Christmas, donations make a tangible difference, helping shelters like Cats Help provide food, veterinary care and warmth to cats who are still waiting for a family of their own.

Until that moment arrives, these cats will keep waiting. Calmly. Curiously. With Christmas lights reflected in their eyes.

Happy holidays from Estonian World and Cats Help!