Christmas 2025 Photo Dump

Xmas 2025 and for once I didn't really take that many pictures. So todays blog is kind of a dump of pictures from Xmas Day, Boxing Day and a few other events in or around Xmas. 

Xmas Day we spent at home as a 5 again, however we did change things up a bit this year by having our first ever Xmas Dinner out at the Toby Carvery in Runwell. It was actually really nice to have a more chilled Xmas Day and not have the stress of cooking dinner. The food was really good and we all came out of there completely stuffed. We had quite an early dinner at 2pm, joined my Lisa, David, Matt and Amber and therefore we still had time in the evening for a gammon sandwich and the endless grazing of snacks.

Xmas Day presents seemed quite boring in our household this year. The boys were mostly clothes, shoes, aftershave and things like that. As for Holly, she is growing up way to fast and also wanted clothes, make-up etc which meant for the first time since starting a family there was hardly no toys / games. Holly's main present this year was a new phone.

Boxing Day was again a little more chilled than normal as we took a well deserved break from hosting and instead we were at Nicky's. We all had a great day and again it really nice to not have the stress of preparing for Boxing Day which always used to put a but of a downer on my Xmas Day as the prep usually started late in the evening meaning I could never really relax and enjoy Xmas Day. So it was very much appreciated that Nicky hosted this year.

Santa had arrived for Xmas Day at Mersea Crescent and there was no shortage of presents.

Amazingly I only took one picture of presents being opened this year,

First time ever eating out for Xmas Day at the Toby Carvery in Runwell.

Joined by Lisa, David, Matthew and Amber.

Really nice meal and we all came out completely stuffed

Despite not wearing or needing glasses - Brandon's latest fashion accessory is to wear non prescription glasses!

My terrine starter - delicious.

Didn't take a picture of my roast Xmas dinner, but it had to be Xmas pudding for desert.

No stress this year as Boxing Day was at Nicky's so remarkably I grew some hair.

Holly looking super grown up with her new hair style for Xmas 2025.

Using a so called "naff" Xmas tree decoration as an ear-ring.

Xmas Cinema trip with H and B to watch the new Avatar film.

We may have eaten out on Xmas Day, but the kids and T still wanted me to make the traditional Jamie Oliver Turkey and Leak Pie.

As well as the chocolate house, Holly also made a Gingerbread House for Boxing Day.

Don't ask why she is wearing the leather jacket, apparently it is fashion and part of the outfit.

Lots of detail and icing. Just needed to prop all the side up to hold it together whilst it set.

Holly's finished gingerbread house for 2025.