Make Paper Shoes for St. Nicholas Day: Easy Craft Download

Posted by Diane

November 30, 2008

Are you ready for St. Nicholas Day? In many European countries, December 6 is a day to celebrate one of our most beloved saints–Nicholas of Myra, a fourth century bishop from present-day Turkey. Nicholas is renowned for his generosity, good deeds, and miracles.

On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, children leave their shoes out next to their bed or near the fireplace. When kids wake on December 6, they find the shoes filled with treats such as chocolates, clementines, gingerbread, or small gifts.

I love exposing my kids and students to Christmas customs from around the world. We’ve developed our own St. Nicholas Day customs in our family. The kids leave their shoes by the fireplace, along with their Christmas lists. Since Santa did evolve from the historical St. Nick, I just explain that this is Santa’s grandpa, and he’ll be sure to deliver their letters safe and sound. In the morning, they usually find an ornament to put on the tree and a chocolate Santa.

In the past, I’ve had my students leave their shoes out overnight at school to receive treats. But sometimes that can cause a problem–forgotten shoes or smelly gym sneakers. Now, I have my students make and decorate a paper shoe craft. Small candies fit inside, making it easy to carry home as a St. Nicholas souvenir.

In my French St. Nicholas Day download, I include a cute paper shoe craft that I use with my middle and high school students. But as I was planning for a visit to my son’s kindergarten class this week, I realized that it might be a little tricky for a large group of 6 year olds. I came up with a printable template that involves nothing more than folding on lines, a few quick clips of the scissors, and some tape. Take a look at the finished product by clicking here: Paper Shoe Craft for Saint Nicholas

To download your St. Nicholas Day paper shoe template for less than a dollar, follow this link:

St. Nicholas Day Craft: Paper Shoe Template

Happy St. Nicholas Day from Foreign Language House

Photo Credit: by RAWKUS at http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1100468

Crafts, Foreign Language Fun, Foreign Language House

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