A Virtual Tree Decorating Party

I begin Christmas month with a Christmas post.

For the best part of 40 years, our little family has gathered to decorate the Christmas tree. From whenever exactly we began the tradition, I don't think we have missed a year.

2020 being what it is, Sue and I chose not to gather at Sha's in person this year, but phones and tablets came to the rescue.

We set up the tablet in advance and took this photo from the iPad looking back at us.

Then came the notification that they were ready for a Facetime get-together, and we were whisked to their place virtually.

With JJ doing the camera work, we and Danica were all set. To record the event, I took pictures from their stream. What a world! (You can see Sue and me in the top left corner.)

The decorating commenced.

Years ago and for many years, my mother smocked Christmas balls. Over the years, she made two sets, one for each of my daughters. We still have them. They showed us the box, and both Sue and I picked one for this year's tree: white for Sue and red for me.

JJ crawled underneath to put the skirt in place. This was also made by my mother, but you can only see a corner in the bottom right in this photo.

Soon enough, it was done.

One with the house lights out.

Hopefully, we'll trim the tree in the old-fashioned and in-person way next year, but this worked well enough as a substitute this year.

As usual, it was mostly photos from me, but I did take some video clips. It's very brief. Note: apparently, it doesn't play. Oh well.