Christmas Eve this year was nothing short of magical as we found ourselves surrounded by the picturesque winter wonderland of Slovenia. With a light dusting of about two inches of snow blanketing the ground, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to embrace the festive spirit and build a snowman together as a family.

The snow was soft and perfect for rolling, and Georgia was thrilled to get started. She eagerly helped shape the snowman, adding a splash of creativity with a bright red hat and a cosy pink scarf. Her excitement was infectious as she proudly stood next to our frosty friend once he was complete.

Dotty, however, wasn’t as enthusiastic about the snow. She found the clear path far more appealing than the soft, snowy patches. We couldn’t help but laugh as she watched us from her safe, snow-free zone, her curious yet cautious expressions adding a touch of humour to the day. While she didn’t get hands-on with the snowman, she seemed content observing all the action from the sidelines.

As for us, the joy of working together to create something so quintessentially Christmas brought warmth to the chilly afternoon. The experience was a beautiful reminder of why we embarked on this journey – to create special moments as a family in places we’ve never been before.

Slovenia’s serene, snow-covered landscape provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable day. It felt like something out of a storybook crisp winter air, laughter ringing out, and the sparkle of snow under the soft December light.

This Christmas Eve may not have been traditional for us, but it was certainly one to remember, currently watching the snowman on TV as I write this. We hope wherever you are, you’re finding your own moments of joy and magic this festive season.

Merry Christmas from all of us to you!

Learn more about Christmas in Slovenia!

Learn more about Christmas in Slovenia!

Learn more about Slovenian Christmas Experience!

Learn more about Slovenian Christmas Experience!

The post A Magical Christmas Eve: Building a Snowman in Slovenia appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

We started bright and early with one last swim to kick-start the day. After a quick breakfast and the usual game of “how do we fit everything in the car,” we were ready to hit the road. Excitement bubbled as we left the indoor pool behind (haha) and made our way from Croatia to the Slovenian hills.

On the way, we stopped at Westgate shopping centre to pick up a few Christmas essentials (feels like we never left Thanet) and, of course, stock up on some treats for the week ahead. The atmosphere was buzzing with holiday cheer, twinkling lights, festive music, and the bustle of people preparing for the season.

By the time we arrived at Villa Katarina, it was 6 PM, and the dark had already fallen over the hills. Even so, the lodge greeted us with its cozy charm, nestled quietly in the heart of the Slovenian countryside. With its rustic design and modern comforts, it felt like stepping into a Christmas card scene.

The lodge is perched in a spot that offers incredible views over the hills. We couldn’t see much in the dark, but the promise of waking up to such a stunning landscape had us all eager for the morning. The kids were thrilled to explore their new surroundings, and we immediately felt the warmth of this cosy villa.

Villa Katarina will be our base for the week, and it couldn’t be more perfect for a family Christmas. The fireplace crackles softly as I write this, and the lodge’s inviting atmosphere has already helped us unwind. Tomorrow, we’ll take our first full day to explore the area and enjoy the beauty Slovenia has to offer.

We can’t wait to see what the week has in store, hopefully some snow to complete the picture!

Stay tuned for updates as we celebrate Christmas in this magical Slovenian setting.

Learn more about Christmas in Slovenian Villa!

Learn more about Christmas in Slovenian Villa!

The post A Cozy Lodge the start of a Christmas Week in Slovenia appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Our day started with a splash—literally! We spent the entire morning at Terme Jezerčica, diving into the pools, whizzing down the slides, and soaking in the amazing atmosphere of this family-friendly thermal retreat. Dotty, as always, stole the show with her adorable splashes, but all that fun tired her out, and she drifted off for a much-needed nap.

While Dotty rested, we enjoyed a relaxed lunch, refueling for the second half of our day. Then, with the promise of festive cheer, we headed to Zagreb’s famous Christmas markets. The air was filled with the scent of mulled wine, roasting chestnuts, and holiday joy as we wandered through the charming stalls. Georgia and Ali couldn’t resist another round of ice skating—our little pro was eager to show off her moves!

Afterwards, we warmed up with a cup of velvety smooth hot chocolate that tasted like Christmas in a cup thick smooth and moorish. For dinner, Ali tried the Mexican-inspired mac and cheese, which packed a delicious kick, while Georgia stuck to her classic favourite: good old mac and cheese. I, on the other hand, couldn’t resist the lure of a proper frankfurter a festive market treat.

With full stomachs, we soaked up the magic of the markets one last time, strolling past twinkling lights and festive decorations. But the adventure didn’t stop there. Sadly our train home was unexpectedly cancelled and relocated to a different platform. Unaware of the change, we ended up hopping on the wrong train!

Thankfully, it wasn’t long before we realised our mistake. At the next station, we switched to an old-fashioned “chugger” train that rattled and hummed its way back to our starting point. Eventually, we found the right train and then made it back home, albeit much later than planned.

Despite the detour, we arrived home happy, knackered, and already laughing about our unplanned train adventure. It’s these little moments the mix of magic and mishaps that make travel so memorable. Today was a day full of stories we’ll be telling for years to come.

And now, with tired feet and warm hearts, we’re ready to do it all again tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Learn more about Family Travel Experience!

Learn more about Family Travel Experience!

The post A Day of Winter Magic: Swimming, Christmas Markets, and an Unexpected Train Adventure appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.