Thrifted Treasure Series Part 9 - Wooden Shoes
I’ve been inspired recently by the winter traditions and minimalist holiday designs of Sweden and The Netherlands. We’ve been incorporating some of their customs in our home this year…specifically a tradition from Sweden…use more candle and lamp light during the winter and leave the overhead lights off. It is amazing how cozy it feels to have coffee in the mornings by candlelight. A simple DELIGHT that makes my heart very full!
During the past year I have been collecting “klompen” (wooden shoes) from thrift stores with the help of thrifting sleuth, Hattie. I thought it was a fluke when I discovered the first pair…but…it turns out there are many to be found if you start looking!
This pair of wood shoes are my favorite find (so far)…I just dusted them off and styled them with pinecones and fresh greens for Christmas.
I reached out to my friend in The Netherlands to get the current story regarding wooden shoes and Christmas traditions…this is what she said.
SINTERKLAAS entails kids 'setting' their shoes at the fireplace (or central heating in case there isn't one in the house) with a snack for the horse (on which Sinterklaas moves around towns) preferably a carrot and a glass of water or some hay, and they sing a song for Sinterklaas Then, when you have been a very good child all year, Sinterklaas will give you a treat in the shape of 'pepernoten' (small spiced cookies),' speculaas' (gingerbread cookies) or 'taai-taai' ( a chewy kind of spice cookie).
Traditionally on his birthday, December 5th, we eat pea soup with smoked sausage. When kids no longer believe in Sinterklaas, we celebrate by drawing a lottery ticket with someone's name on it and you will have to buy him or her a present which is wrapped in a 'surprise': a funny kind of art project which is accompanied by a handwritten poem in which fun is made of the recipient.