Dec 24, 2014

Zagreb Christmas 2014


One of the things I love most about living in Europe is their Advent celebrations. They do such a wonderful job decorating and all the Christmas markets are amazing. We have been to the Vienna, Austria Christmas market and it was amazing but our own capital of Zagreb has outdone themselves this year. Johnny and I were already in the capital for Hannah's dentist appointment so we headed in town.   

This year there was a living nativity. It was a mini city of Bethlehem. It was nice to see but knowing that they have no idea how much power was in that little city so long ago, it wasn't as nice. My heart breaks for all the beautiful people who still rest in their own goodness for salvation when Jesus already paid it all for them. Salvation is free for all those who will receive it. 

 I love that living in a Catholic country they still celebrate the baby Jesus at Christmas. There's no, "Happy Holidays" here. Instead it's, "Sretan Božić" which means Happy little God. 

 The decorations on town were amazing. I loved all the lights and Christmas music floated on the crisp night air. Hey, that was pretty poetical! 

There were lots of street performers, including this guy making money in a very unique way!


I fell in love with the red, white and blue lights this year. No, they're not honoring the USA instead those are the colors of their flag. I love 'em!


There were hundreds of little shops lining the roads. As usual, we didn't buy anything but there wasn't really anything we wanted. Until we got to the food shops!



 This year there was an amazing ice rink right in town. It was in the park by the theatre and it was amazing. There was a main rink like normal but off that rink there were several paths that went all the way around the park perimeter. It was pretty amazing. No we didn't skate!



I was so happy to spend this time with Hannah. This is her last Christmas here in Croatia with us and it was such a fun time. Doesn't she look adorable.

 
BTW, that's not snow behind us but little silver hearts blowing in the wind. They gave the nicest twinkling effect.

I'm not sure what Johnny said to get such crazy looks from us. I'm sure it was a hoot!

This photo is a freebie! Love him!

I'm so thankful to be spending my 24th Christmas with my honey baby.
  
We finally found what our hearts longed for; the food stands. Johnny and Hannah had fritule, little fried donut balls. They are delish but definitely not low carb or gluten free so I passed and headed to the sausage stand. 


What a fun time we had in Zagreb for the Advent celebration. The weather was perfect, about 49 and clear. We enjoyed ourselves and now we are all ready for Christmas. 

Okay I'm signing out for a few days to enjoy Christmas with my family. I pray you all have the nicest Christmas ever and remember Jesus really is the nicest gift and gift-giver ever! 




siggy

11 comments:

  1. Anonymous1:24 PM

    I loved the nativity scene in lights! Mary was so expression and reminded me of the phrase, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke2:19) I have to admit that I find it very sad to see so much Christmas in the U.S. without Jesus at the center of the celebrations!

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  2. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  3. Anonymous2:49 PM

    I very much enjoyed your post and videos/photos. Thank you for sharing with us and may God richly bless you and yours this Christmas.

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  4. Thanks for sharing your country at Christmas.. I love arm chair travels! Merry Christmas to your family Tori!

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  5. What beautiful decorations! Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and New Year!

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  6. Lovely photos! I hope you all have a blessed Christmas!

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  7. I love that they say "Sretan Božić". Looked so beautiful there! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas to all of your family!

    betty

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  8. Anonymous2:18 AM

    Goodness, Tori, what a tour! I can imagine the enjoyment you all have in seeing the open celebration of Jesus. But, I suppose it can also be so cultural that people forget the reason for His coming. Beautiful images! Sretan Božić!

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  9. Wow! An exciting and day filled with family, lights, food and memories! Thank you for sharing more pieces of the cultural experience.

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  10. Love the pics and yes the one of Hannah with the bike was great. It has been nice watching her grow up on your blog.

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  11. "Sretan Božić" which means Happy little God...


    OH! How much do I LOVE that??

    Also love that clown guy in the frame. Is that a man with a table? Is he kind of just poking out into the real world a bit? What is that all about...?

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