Introduction
Norwegian television series Jul i SkomakergataGenreChildren's television, Advent calendarCreated byNRKStarringHenki KolstadCountry of originNorwayOriginal languageNorwegianNo. of seasons1No. of episodes24ProductionRunning timeApprox. 15–20 minutesOriginal releaseNetworkNRKRelease1 December (1979-12-01) –24 December 1979 (1979-12-24)RelatedJul i Tøyengata (2006 parody) Jul i Skomakergata is a Norwegian Television program for children, produced in 1979. It is a televised advent calendar, meaning that it was broadcast from December 1 to December 24. It has been broadcast several times in Norway by NRK. The story revolves around shoe repairer Jens Petrus Andersen, played by Henki Kolstad, and his shop. He is visited by friends and townspeople who need their shoes repaired before Christmas, and has a pet named Tøflus (a puppet). A part of the show consists of showing a clip from Sandmännchen (Jon Blund in Norwegian) which tells children about the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child. In 2006, the Norwegian comedian Zahid Ali created an advent calendar show called Jul i Tøyengata, a parody of Jul i Skomakergata, which shows a multicultural street in Oslo, and deals with problems such as racism and cultural clashes.
Why the shoemaker’s shop became a Christmas ritual
The charm of "Jul i Skomakergata" lies in its blend of everyday life and festive anticipation. A modest shoe‑repair shop becomes a cosy hub where kids can follow a daily story, mirroring the real‑world habit of checking an advent calendar. The programme’s gentle pacing – short episodes that fit around school routines – turned it into a family‑bonding ritual, with parents and children gathering each evening to see what new neighbour would pop in, what shoe would need mending, and which lesson would be taught. Over the years the show’s simple set‑piece has become a nostalgic marker for Norwegian childhood, reminding viewers that Christmas spirit can be found in ordinary corners of town.
How to make the series work for modern families
If you’re introducing "Jul i Skomakergata" to a new generation, treat it as a structured activity rather than background noise. Schedule a 15‑minute slot each night, perhaps just before bedtime, and use the pause button to discuss the episode’s moral – whether it’s kindness to a neighbour or the importance of caring for one’s belongings. Pair the broadcast with a small craft, like making a paper shoe or drawing the puppet Tøflus, to give children a tactile reminder of the story. Because the show also includes a brief United Nations child‑rights segment, you can extend the conversation to global citizenship, turning a nostalgic classic into a contemporary teaching tool.
What people miss: the subtle politics of the UN clip
Many recall the show for its whimsical shop scenes, but the inclusion of the Sandmännchen clip on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was a pioneering move for a children’s series in 1979. It quietly introduced young viewers to the idea that every child has rights, embedding a global perspective in a local setting. This was unusual for the time and gave the series an educational edge beyond simple holiday fare. When re‑watching, pay attention to how the clip is woven into the narrative; it isn’t an afterthought but a gentle reminder that Christmas values – generosity, fairness, inclusion – are linked to broader human rights principles.