So That Was Christmas ~ A Photo Journal with Fujifilm XT5 & Sigma 18-50mm 2.8

Last updated on March 11, 2026

Christmas, 2025. Home in Mumbles, Swansea (south Wales, UK).

It’s occurred to me that, as much as I love travel and street photography, the shininess of the unknown, in many ways an event like Christmas is the ideal subject for photography…

A blur of tiny memories that slip by too quickly. I’m sure any parent will understand; these are the “big moments” of life, the periods of time we look forward to all year round.

Yet when we’re actually in it – exhausted from all the planning and shopping and decorating, frenzied from trying to perfect 14 different ingredients in the kitchen, sluggish and somewhat befuddled as a result of sipping endless goblets of Bailey’s, Aperol, Champagne and beer – the pace can make it difficult to remain present, to take it all and log each memory.

And so what I suppose I’m trying to say is that I know these photos will mean more to me in 20 years’ time than any “perfect” street snap ever could.

So come along with me and my little family and see how we spent the festive season here at home in sunny south Wales.

All photos taken with my beloved Fujifilm X-T5 and Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 zoom lens, which I have to say has blown me away (more on this below).

Camera Talk

All of these photos were taken on my Fujifilm XT5, which I have to say is my favourite Fujifilm camera so far.

Mostly I used the Sigma 18-50mm 2.8 zoom, which in my opinion is the perfect “go anywhere, do anything” lens, and potentially the best zooms lens for Fujfilm cameras.

I love the size – it’s tiny and actually smaller than the new Fujifilm f1.4 LW prime lenses. It covers pretty much every focal range you could wish for, it’s a constant f2.8 all the way through, and its close-focussing capability are bonkers.

In fact, I’d go so far as saying that it’s the only lens you really need for your Fujifilm camera. Especially if you want a one-and-done lens to document your life, whether at home, on the streets, or while travelling abroad.