Christmas Day 2025
Merry Christmas!!
Cold but beautiful weather with clear blue skies. Helpful outdoor fridge temperatures—because we really have run out of space. An early 04:30 start for me, which was wonderful for a spot of quiet time and nice coffee. The troops were up by 06:30 for Secret Santa and stockings; Bento got more presents than anyone else, and his favourite was a cow’s ear that he chewed happily on the lawn for ages. Gubs brought the Christmas music to displace the cheery sounds of GTA V. Ed and Tara arrived around nine, triggering the main round of present opening—lovely photobooks, chocolates and socks for me. Breakfast next. I got the BBQ fired up for sausage and bacon rolls, and after that, a quick walk along the lane with Bento. Dash, Ken & Milo assembled a basketball net. Ed and Monty played guitar in the lounge.
Two huge legs of lamb for xmas dinner, cooked low and slow for four hours, with roasted potatoes, parsnips, and carrots; cauliflower cheese, and sprouts with chestnuts and bacon lardons. After dinner and desserts, we gathered around the long table in the kitchen for a three-round pub quiz before flagging into festive torpor. A perfect day.
