Everybody enjoys having Christmas their own way, but some people love having more of a traditional Christmas. If that is the case for you, you will enjoy this DIY project that pulls in the Dutch tradition for Christmas Eve.
Although Christmas is celebrated around the world, the Netherlands were one of the first places where it was celebrated. It was known as St. Nicholas Day and it was the forerunner of the Christmas stockings. In Holland, however, the children wore wooden clog shoes so instead of hanging stockings by the fire, they laid out their clogs.
In the foyer near the chimney, the children would leave their wooden shoes sitting on Christmas Eve. It was then that Sinterklass would come to their home and leave surprises in the shoes for the kids. If they were naughty, the children would get black coal but if they had been good, wonderful gifts would fill the shoes.
Many parents are interested in teaching their children about the history of Christmas. Teaching them about the Dutch history of Christmas can be part of it. In fact, this DIY project can be used for making felt clogs for the children, and it is a wonderful tradition for Christmas Eve.
This project is very easy and it is a great way to get your children occupied with an arts and craft project. You can also incorporate some educational aspects into the project, helping to keep their mind sharp during the Christmas break. Have the children pick out their favorite color felt and then they would stand on top of it. Trace their feet with a pencil and then the fun begins.
After tracing the feet and cutting the pieces, you will then cut a piece of felt that is twice as long as the smaller pieces that were already cut. Just lay those two pieces out in a row and cut the longer piece. This will be used for the side of the slipper.
Begin by pinning one strip to the heel and then wrap it around to cover the sides of the toes. Pin the edges to hold it in place.
You can use an extra large needle for this project because it makes it easier for children so that they don’t accidentally prick themselves. Help your children thread them with some colorful yarn and show them how to sew the edges of the clog together. This is a great way to teach your children to be patient.
Don’t worry if the stitches are not perfect because your children aren’t actually going to be wearing them. They certainly are cute and it can be the beginning of a great Christmas tradition for your family.
(Images: Repiny)
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