What next?

[Lauren17]

The silver lining in the COVID cloud is that I have a solid excuse for not having any contact with my toxic in-laws.
But, they found a loophole.
SIL dropped gifts at the front door the other day, then sent a text requesting we open them via zoom. Um, no.
Expecting uBPDh to agree with tearing our Christmas to meet with his FOO, I jumped in and suggested games on zoom instead of opening gifts. That night, H vetoed any sort of video communication with his FOO. I asked him if I should let them know. He said not to as he was "hoping they will forget"
What should I do?
Text back and explain that H declined?
Hold the zoom and either force Hs hand or visit without him? (This one makes my stomach hurt)
Hope they forget the idea?
Other suggestions?

[Starboard Song]

The silver lining in the COVID cloud is that I have a solid excuse for not having any contact with my toxic in-laws.
But, they found a loophole.
SIL...sent a text requesting we open them via zoom.

What should I do?

Remember to place yourself on a totally different plane. There is no game being played here, no need for strategy or clever delivery. You've beeen invited to a specific thing: a zoom meeting for the opening of presents. A simple text will suffice to politely deliver the bad news: "this year has been so tough on everyone": a non-sequitur to be sure, but it works every time. "We appreciate the gifts but have decided to avoid any technology intruding into our Christmas, so we will skip on the zoom meeting this year." And if you feel so moved, you may kindly drop in a "thanks for thinking of us."

There is no need to persuade, or to explain, or to offer a backup plan your heart isn't into. You only need to wrap enough words around it to soften the blow: that's as much as we do for strangers, and it's free.

[Hilltop]

Yeah if your DH has said he doesn't want to I wouldn't play any games, just be honest.

I would say something like "We have plans to open the presents over breakfast and relax and so we will skip the zoom this year.  Merry Christmas blah blah blah".

You don't need to get into anything with them, you don't need to justify or explain.  You don't need to answer anything in the morning if they try to force you into it.  Sounds like a peaceful Christmas ahead, enjoy.

[Phoenix Rising]

How did this go Lauren17?

[Lauren17]

I took your advice. I sent a text that said H and I had discussed and zoom Christmas wouldn't work out for us.
She thanked me and the subject dropped.
Thank you, all, for pulling me out of the JADE cycle with a reminder of such a simple solution!