Nisse

By tradition Scandinavians are drawn to merrymaking at Christmas, taking sheer delight in holiday preparations.

Since the late 1700’s Norwegian families place a luminescent pine tree by a window in earnest anticipation of the mystifying Nisse, or Tomte if you’re Swedish. Nissen are credited with watching over the family, livestock, and home all year.

They only appear on Christmas Eve by lantern light on Jul Bok with treats and presents in tow. Best to leave a bowl of rømmegrøt on your steps, lest you have tricks played on you the rest of the year!