Tuesday, December 01, 2020

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.




17 comments:

Barbara Rogers said...

Looks like fun. Ican't get the video to play.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

That was quite unique and sadly different this year and as Barbara commented, the video didn’t work for me as well. Your grandchildren are growing taller each time we see them especially standing next to the tree and the Santa hat top was a nice touch.

Jenn Jilks said...

It's been quite the year, adapting has been key for all of us.
We're wrestling with JB's PSA test right now. sigh.
Your photos are wonderful, tres joyful!

DJan said...

What a lovely way to decorate the tree together! The season has arrived in the middle of this pandemic, and we are all trying to find a new normal! Good job! :-)

Ed said...

It is amazing what technology can allow us to do! I spent several years dating my wife from across an ocean with only phone calls and snail mail. Had we had video conferencing, I may have convinced her to marry me a lot sooner.

gigi-hawaii said...

That is so cute! I just love the whole thing. You have inspired me.

Marcia said...

Traditions continue just in modified forms! That tree looks much like the size of mine. I hope to set I up in new house this coming weekend.

Margaret said...

I think it's great that you modified the tradition and still "got together." We've had to be flexible and creative during this pandemic. That's not entirely a bad thing.

Mage said...

You two are just so cute in that top photo. Its a totally great solution.

Goldendaze-Ginnie said...

What a world we live in...Pandemic takes us back to basics but the techy stuff brings us together anyway. Seems like you are doing a good job putting it all together.

Marie Smith said...

Lots of virtual visiting this year! At least we have that these days!

William Kendall said...

That's one way to get it done.

Red said...

Some of the long time traditions may have to be cancelled this year . You did a good job of changing.

Joanne Noragon said...

Well done.

MARY G said...

You two really have it together. Wow.

Rita said...

A perfect adaptation for 2020!! :)

Kay said...

I agree with Mage. You two are so cute with your holiday wear. Goodness, Danica has grown so much! What a fabulous idea for setting the tree up together. I does look very beautifully festive.