We 're counting: 2025 December Christmas in Nelson and a Nicholas Family Reunion

Some of the next generation of Nicholas's
(Nicholas, Cameron & Luke and families missing)

Our first visitor (helper) to arrive for the Christmas gathering was brother Graeme. He was able to help out in the gardens and distract us with bike rides and visits to local drinking holes. We managed a couple of card games with Bob & Diana on wet days. Cut down a couple of branches off the Redwood Tree for our Christmas Tree, and a couple to give away at the bottom of the driveway. Rocky & Daniel with Lenny were next to arrive - Lenny's first Christmas in New Zealand 💖

Merry Christmas🎄

Family were coming from Australia and Switzerland and locally (Auckland, Omokoroa, Waihi Beach, Tauranga, Wellington and Riwaka), for Christmas and to see the New Year, 2026, in when we would all gather at our place. Our last big gathering of the Nicholas's was Rochelle's 30th back in 2018, at Claire & Graeme's at Waihi Beach. Unfortunately, Nick & Em and the Girls wouldn't be making it with only recently visiting NZ in October. Oldest brother Wayne & Kate's six children and families were all gathering at Simon and Nicki's for Christmas Day, while we were having a quieter one at ours with Rocky & Daniel and Lenny & Graeme. Shannon and AC and Chuck arriving in time for Christmas Dinner

W&K and Family at Riwaka

Boxing Day was out at Rabbit Island. We packed our now repaired Bus (thanks for the help Daniel) up and took it out there as a support vehicle with oven and hot water. Perfect venue for lots of energetic teenagers. Some were brave enough to swim, although it wasn't that hot a day. The little ones and big ones all enjoyed the day out there.

Nail's day and Coffee

WhatsApp was great for everyone to keep in touch with the various activities over the days leading up to New Year's Eve. Visits to beaches around the area. Various cafe's and restaurants. And it wouldn't be Christmas without a visit to the hydro slide and bumper boats. Bike rides here and there.

Lunch at the Grape Escape

Graeme's Abby & Ben did a surprise arrival from Australia, with their kids Evie and Charlie, before the New Year event and were able to reconnect with cousins once again. It was lovely trying to recreate some family photos of the past, but sadly without Amy, Nick, Cameron & Luke. Brother Allan & Nicky arrived in time for the gathering after having Christmas in Christchurch. The weather played ball most of the time for outdoor activities. New Years Eve was predicted to be a wet one but thankfully didn't ruin the evening and with umbrella's and gazebo's we had a large area covered. Luna is the eldest of W&K's grandchildren and was amazing at keeping all the children entertained and under control.

Rabbit Island

We used neighbours and motels to help with the overflows of people; Bill and I were in our Bus of course. Alan & Nicky in their own motorhome. We even put our 39-year-old family dome canvas tent up incase an extra bed was needed. As sad as it was, this was to be the end of an era for the Family tent. It was time to say goodbye and let another family take it over for hopefully many more happy summers. It was put on Trade Me and sold the next day.

Brothers and the Sister

After New Year's Day, the families started heading off. Some to see more of New Zealand. Others to head home. We had a few more days with Rocky, Daniel and Lenny before they returned to Dunsborough. And Shannon & AC and little Chuck left soon after. It was back to Darby & Joan and sidekick Gman.