Since we bought a house a few months ago, all plans to travel for a while were put on hold. So Christmas 2025 was spent locally at the new place, all by ourselves. It was a fun day, though. It started with the opening of presents. Edie declared it “the happiest day of my life” as she ripped into her gifts. Her big present was a bike from Santa, but she got plenty else. John didn’t have a “big” gift, but made out well, getting a lot of sports-related gifts—baseball cards, a hockey video game, a football, several football related games, a door basketball hoop and more. Even Minnie had plenty to open, receiving many new toys and treats. The kids even had a scavenger hunt to find 6 more “experience” gifts they can cash in in 2026, things like an Austin FC game and ice skating and horseback riding.

Lauren went hard to work preparing rolls for breakfast, then smartly went back to bed for a few hours. I joined the kids as we tested out all their new board games and video games before the NFL slate started up. At one point John and I jumped into the pool in our Christmas pajamas, the daytime high soaring past 82º. It sure didn’t feel very Christmassy outside, but at least it was largely overcast most of the day. After we made FaceTime calls to all family members near and far, Lauren was back in the kitchen, cooking up a delicious ham for dinner.

So, what does the rest of the break have in store? Yesterday the family took a long hike at a trail near our house, to which Edie screamed in displeasure throughout, declaring it “so, so, so, so, soooo the worst day of my life” due to the unrelenting December heat as we walked. We all hopped in the pool afterwards to cool off. Then we were invited out by some friends for dinner.

Today I might head over to the Austin chapter of the Chargers fan club to watch the game vs. the Texans. I haven’t met up with the big group since the playoffs vs the Jaguars a couple years ago. Who knows after that. There has been some talk of a quick San Antonio trip or something to kill some time. I technically work Monday and Tuesday, but I’m sure work will be quiet. Lauren is off til the kids go back to school in January.

Notes

  • We watched “Death by Lightning”, the Netflix miniseries about the assassination of President James Garfield. It was a must-watch!
  • I also watched the John Candy documentary on Prime “I Like Me” — pretty good.
  • Next up, we need to watch “Pluribis”, the new Vince Gilligan show, so I can cancel Apple TV!
  • John and I squared off in our fantasy football league’s semifinals last week, with me winning. Sorry pal! I am now in the championship this weekend vs. Nick Sandbulte.
  • Lauren and I are about to attempt another Dry January challenge after this past year’s success. The only thing that could derail me is Bart’s visit to Austin at some point in January.